Three cheers for National Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Like many other disorders, speech and hearing issues can present themselves at any stage in one?s life. Hearing loss remains one of the most common chronic disorders among adults. According to the Healthy People 2000 survey, 83 out of every 1000 children have an educationally significant hearing loss, and other research has found that 30% of children who are labeled hard of hearing have a second disability. Speech and hearing disorders impact a child?s ability to effectively communicate and positively interact with others, while also causing problems in reading and writing development. Therefore, it is critical these issues be addressed by professionals early and in an on-going fashion throughout a child?s educational career. Join the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders during the month of May as they "raise public understanding about hearing, voice, speech and language disorders and recognize speech and hearing professionals for the important work they do!" NIDCD offers an informative Web site addressing hearing loss, balance, voice, speech, language, smell and taste. More, they discuss acquired hearing loss and ways to protect our ears. They offer a comprehensive set of free publications, research reports and a specific area for educators. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association also provides parents and educators with a tremendous amount of easy-to-use information that focuses on dissemination, prevention, and interventions within the home, school, and community environments. "How Do I Know if I Have A Hearing Loss?" should be reviewed proactively in order to help catch any signs of hearing loss so that they can be brought to a doctor's attention. Celebrate our senses and those who support our good health and pay tribute by taking on more protective behaviors!

Page Updated: September 29, 2004