It's time to celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month on May 1! This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of speech and hearing health, and advocating for access to better treatments, services, and resources. The communication disorders associated with speech and hearing can have a major impact on an individual’s quality of life, so it is important to educate ourselves about how to identify symptoms and seek help when needed. Let's use this month as an opportunity to learn more about these issues, promote understanding and acceptance, and support those living with communication impairments.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of ASHA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded to advocate and provide resources for people with communication disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1927</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Association Formed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Association of Speech and Hearing Clinics was formed to facilitate research and treatment for speech and hearing disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advancements in Hearing Aids</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first wearable electronic hearing aids were developed, significantly improving the quality of life for those with hearing loss.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Awareness Week Expands</div><div class='timeline-text'>Better Speech and Hearing Week expanded to Better Speech and Hearing Month to dedicate more time to awareness and education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusive Legislation Enacted</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with communication disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Remote Services Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the global pandemic, telepractice sessions for speech and hearing therapies gained momentum, providing services to a larger geographic pool who require them.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a speech therapy session</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Attend a speech therapy session to learn techniques that can help individuals with speech and hearing impairments. This is a great way to show support and understanding to those who need it, while also gaining insight into the different methods of communication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a 5K</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize or join a 5K to help raise funds for organizations that support those with hearing and speech impairments. Use the event as a platform to advocate for better access to treatment, resources, and education.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local hearing center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer your time at a local hearing center. You can help with tasks like answering phones, filing paperwork, or helping patients find the resources they need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a dialogue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start conversations about hearing and speech impairments in your community. Educate friends and family members on the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by people with these issues.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an audiologist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have any concerns about your own hearing or speech abilities, make an appointment with an audiologist to get a comprehensive assessment. This will help you better understand any issues you may have and what steps you can take to improve.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To Raise Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Better Speech and Hearing Month (BSHM) brings awareness to communication disorders, including hearing loss, speech disorders, and other issues that can affect the ability to communicate effectively. BSHM also helps spread information and resources to those who may benefit from them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To Promote Early Intervention</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Early intervention is essential when it comes to Communication Disorders. During BSHM, events such as screenings, speech therapy sessions, and conferences are held to help spread awareness of these issues and get people started on the right path as soon as possible.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To Support Advocacy Efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>BSMP raises funds for advocacy and research efforts to better understand the causes of communication disorders as well as treatment methods that could be used to improve quality of life for those with communication challenges.</p></div></div>
Better Speech and Hearing Month is celebrated on May 1st every year. In 2024, Better Speech and Hearing Month will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday