Did you know that May is Better Speech and Hearing Month? This month we will bring awareness about disorders relating to hearing, voice, speech, and language to as many people as possible.
Facts about Hearing Loss:
- Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition behind arthritis and heart disease, affecting people of all ages
- About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears
- About 40 million adults in the United States ages 20-69 years have noise-induced hearing loss
- The prevalence of hearing loss is twice as common as diabetes or cancer
- 91% of adults with hearing loss are aged 50 and older
- Hearing loss and/or tinnitus is the most common service-connected disability among United States Veterans
- 2.7 million veterans receive hearing care or disability related to hearing loss
Facts about Speech and Language:
- 5% to 10% of Americans may have a communication disorder
- By the first grade, roughly 5% of children have noticeable speech sound disorders
- Over 3 million Americans stutter
- Approximately 1 million Americans suffer from aphasia
- Between 6 and 8 million people in the United States have some form of language impairment
- Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have trouble using their voices
- Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities, affecting individuals of all races and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds
- A cleft palate is the fourth most common birth defect
What are some ways we can bring awareness throughout the month?
- Post facts around your community, work area, or on social media
- Share local clinics, businesses, or resources people can go to if they have questions
- Educate your colleagues
- Organize free hearing screenings
- Share ways people can get a speech and language screening and/or evaluation
Help me spread awareness to those around you regarding disorders relating to hearing, speech, language, and voice.
Happy Better Speech and Hearing Month!
Author: Courtney Rockhill M.Ed., CCC-SLP