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Get ready to raise your voice for Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, which takes place in May! This month-long celebration was first established in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to raise awareness about communication disorders and the importance of early detection and treatment. It's a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of speech-language pathologists and audiologists who help individuals with speech, language, and hearing difficulties lead fulfilling lives. Let's make some noise for this important cause!
<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'>Establishment of the ASHA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is established to foster progress in human 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'>First Speech and Hearing Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Speech and Hearing Awareness Month takes place in May of this year to raise public awareness about communication disorders and treatments.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Law Passes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is passed, requiring public schools to provide therapy for speech and hearing disabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Americans with Disabilities Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act is passed ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and other vital areas of life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Innovative Hearing Aid Technology</div><div class='timeline-text'>The development and commercial production of digital hearing aids mark a significant leap in hearing aid technology, improving sound quality and adaptability.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ASHA's “Identify the Signs” Campaign</div><div class='timeline-text'>ASHA launches a nationwide effort to educate the public about the early warning signs of speech, language, and hearing disorders.</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'>Host a sign language lesson</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a fun and educational sign language lesson. Learn how to communicate using American Sign Language and gain a better understanding of the deaf and hard of hearing community.</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'>Create a social media campaign</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about speech and hearing by creating a social media campaign. Share facts, statistics, and personal stories to educate your followers and raise awareness for this important cause.</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'>Organize a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a charity event to raise money for organizations that support speech and hearing related causes. This could be a charity walk, silent auction, or benefit concert. Every little bit helps make a difference.</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'>Volunteer at a local speech and hearing clinic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time giving back to your community by volunteering at a local speech and hearing clinic. Offer your time and skills to assist with appointments, activities, or events. Your help will be greatly appreciated.</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'>Write a letter to your local government</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your voice to advocate for the speech and hearing community by writing a letter to your local government. Share your personal experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improving access and support for those with speech and hearing disabilities.</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'>It raises awareness for communication disorders</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Speech and Hearing Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate people about the different types of communication disorders that exist and how they can affect individuals. By spreading awareness, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding these disorders and promote understanding and inclusivity.</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'>It promotes early detection and intervention</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Early detection and intervention are crucial for individuals with speech and hearing disorders. By highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month can encourage people to seek help if they or a loved one are experiencing any difficulties with communication.</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'>It celebrates the accomplishments of individuals with communication disorders</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Speech and Hearing Awareness Month is also a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals with communication disorders. It showcases their resilience, determination, and unique skills. This can help break down barriers and promote a more inclusive society for all.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Cochlear Implant Can Restore Hearing</h3><p class='facts-content'>In some cases of profound deafness, a device known as a cochlear implant can be surgically implanted to restore some degree of hearing. It works by directly stimulating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged part of the ear.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Speech-Language Pathologists Work in Various Settings</h3><p class='facts-content'>These professionals do not just work in clinics; they also work in hospitals, schools, research institutions and some even have their private practice. Their work settings are as diverse as the issues they tackle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>One in Eight People in the US Aged 12 Years or Older Has Hearing Loss</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this statistic represents 13% or 30 million people of the US population. It truly emphasizes the extent and impact of hearing issues in the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are More than 300 Different Sign Languages in Use Today</h3><p class='facts-content'>American Sign Language (ASL) is probably the most recognized form, but there are countless other sign languages used around the world, reflecting the rich diversity of the deaf and hard of hearing communities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is One of the Most Common Types of Hearing Loss</h3><p class='facts-content'>This type of hearing loss can result from a one-time exposure to an intense sound or continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time. It highlights the important role of sound management in protecting our hearing health.</p></div></div>
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 Speech and Hearing Awareness Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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