Better Speech and Hearing Month

The month of May is Better Speech and Hearing Month! Every year, ASHA gives BSHM a theme and this year’s theme is “connecting people”. This month, let’s connect with people by bringing awareness to disorders relating to speech, voice, hearing, and language.

Facts about Speech, Voice, 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 US have some form of a language impairment
• Approximately 7.5 million people in the US 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, cleft lip, and Down Syndrome is the some of the most common birth defects

Facts about Hearing:

• Hearing loss can occur at birth or can develop at any age
• Tinnitus is reported by 25 million people in the US
• ~3 million children have hearing loss
• Over 90% of deaf child are born to hearing parents
• A mild hearing loss can cause a child to miss as much as 50% in class
• 1 out of 3 people over 65 have some degree of hearing loss
• 2 out of 3 people over 75 have a hearing loss
• Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss

What are some ways we can bring awareness throughout the month

• Share ways people can obtain a speech and language screening and/or evaluation
• Organize free hearing screenings and/or share where people can get one done
• 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
• Discuss the reduction of noise to prevent future hearing loss

Now is the time to connect with people in your community regarding disorders relating to speech, voice, hearing, and language!

Happy Better Speech and Hearing Month!

Author: Courtney Rockhill M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Sources:

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