Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

Speech and Hearing Awareness Month: Celebrating Communication Health

Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, observed annually in May, is dedicated to raising awareness about communication disorders and celebrating the contributions of professionals in the speech-language-hearing industry. This month-long observance aims to educate the public about the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders.

Quick Facts

When is it?: May
Tagged as: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
What’s the hashtag?: #SpeechAndHearingMonth
When was it founded?: 1927
Who founded it?: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

History of Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

The observance was established in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to promote awareness of communication disorders and the professionals who treat them. Over the years, it has evolved to encompass a wider range of issues related to speech, language, and hearing health.

Timeline

1927: ASHA establishes Better Hearing and Speech Month
1972: The National Association for Hearing and Speech Action (NAHSA) initiates the observance
2023: NAHSA announces the name change to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
2024: First observance under the new name, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Speech and Hearing Awareness Month Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 1-31	Thursday
2026	May 1-31	Friday
2027	May 1-31	Saturday
2028	May 1-31	Monday
2029	May 1-31	Tuesday
2030	May 1-31	Wednesday

Observed National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

This month-long observance is celebrated by speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and other professionals in the field. Various activities and events are organized to educate the public about communication disorders and the available treatments.

Healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations often host screenings, workshops, and informational sessions. Social media campaigns and public service announcements help spread awareness and encourage people to seek help if they suspect they have a communication disorder.

The observance also serves as an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of professionals in the speech-language-hearing field, who play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.

Fun Facts About Speech and Hearing

The smallest bone in the human body is the stirrup, located in the ear
By first grade, most children can understand about 10,000 words
One in every ten Americans has some form of hearing loss
There are over 140,000 practicing speech therapists in the United States
Many famous people, including Thomas Jefferson and Marilyn Monroe, overcame speech disorders

Quiz

In which month is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month observed?
What is the new name for Better Hearing and Speech Month?
Who founded Speech and Hearing Awareness Month?
How many Americans experience some form of hearing loss?
What percentage of U.S. children between 3 and 17 years old have voice, speech, or language issues?

(Answers: 1. May, 2. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, 3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 4. More than 48 million, 5. Approximately 7.7%)

FAQs

What causes hearing disorders?
Hearing disorders can be caused by various factors, including constant exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, genetics, and age-related changes.

Who is at risk for developing voice disorders?
Teachers are most at risk for developing voice disorders due to the frequent use of their voices in their profession.

How common are speech and language disorders in children?
Approximately 1 in 12 (7.7%) U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17 have voice, speech, or language issues.

What is the job outlook for speech-language pathologists?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 26,000 new SLP job openings before 2022, indicating a growing demand for these professionals.

How many words can most children understand by first grade?
By first grade, most children can understand about 10,000 words.

Importance of Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

This observance plays a crucial role in educating the public about the prevalence and impact of communication disorders. It helps reduce stigma and encourages those experiencing symptoms to seek early intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.

The month also highlights the importance of hearing protection and speech development in children. By raising awareness, it promotes better understanding and support for individuals with communication disorders in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Furthermore, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month celebrates the advancements in the field and the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by communication disorders. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for research, advocacy, and support in this critical area of healthcare.