Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By John Nobile – HAS (Hearing Aid Specialist), BC-HIS, ACA
May is a special month in the United States for those who care about communication and the senses. It is designated as Better Hearing and Speech Month, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the importance of speech and hearing health. This month-long celebration is a great opportunity to educate people about communication disorders, promote hearing and speech health, and support individuals with communication challenges.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) established Better Speech and Hearing Month in 1927 to raise awareness about communication disorders and the importance of early detection and intervention. Since then, it has become a popular annual event that promotes education, awareness, and advocacy for individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders.
Communication disorders affect millions of Americans, both young and old. They can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Communication disorders can manifest in different ways, including difficulty with speech production, stuttering, difficulty understanding or using language, voice disorders, and hearing loss.
Hearing loss is one of the most common communication disorders and affects about 48 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noise, genetics, certain medications, and illnesses. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. That’s why early detection and intervention are critical in managing hearing loss and preventing further damage.
Speech and language disorders can also have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. These disorders can affect a person’s ability to produce or understand speech, use and comprehend language, and engage in social interactions. Speech and language disorders can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions, developmental delays, trauma, and environmental factors. Early detection and intervention are also crucial in managing speech and language disorders and improving communication skills.
Better Hearing and Speech Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about these communication disorders and promote hearing and speech health. It is a time to celebrate the successes of individuals with communication challenges and to support their ongoing journey to better communication.
There are several ways to get involved in Better Hearing and Speech Month. Here are a few ideas:
1. Spread the word: Use social media to share information about Better Speech and Hearing Month, including facts and resources about communication disorders, hearing and speech health, and early detection and intervention.
2. Get screened: Encourage family and friends to get screened for hearing and speech disorders. Many healthcare providers offer free or low-cost screenings during Better Speech and Hearing Month.
3. Support advocacy efforts: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that improves access to hearing and speech services, particularly for underserved populations.
4. Educate others: Host a workshop or webinar to educate others about communication disorders and the importance of hearing and speech health.
5. Donate to a hearing and speech organization: Consider donating to a hearing and speech organization that supports research, advocacy, and services for individuals with communication disorders.
Better Hearing and Speech Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and promote hearing and speech health. By working together, we can improve access to early detection and intervention services, support individuals with communication challenges, and empower them to communicate effectively and confidently.
If you or a loved one are struggling to hear clearly, we can help! We are located in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL., with our 5-star-rated hearing care. Call Nobile Hearing Aids today at 239-323-7389 for more information.
John Nobile, HAS, BC-HIS, ACA is a licensed hearing aid specialist and an ACA-certified audioprosthologist who is also board-certified in hearing instrument sciences. With over 55 years of experience, he has transformed thousands of lives in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL, by providing his patients with the gift of sound. He is also a former veteran committed to providing all veterans with free services.
Nobile Hearing Aids
231 Del Prado Blvd. S. Ste. 5
Cape Coral
239-323-7389
