Better Hearing and Speech Month

Table of Contents

What is Better Hearing and Speech Month?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), founded the Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM)in 1927.

There are primarily 3 objectives behind celebrating BHSM-

Raising awareness about hearing and speech problems
Encouraging people to analyze their own hearing and speech
Taking action if they think there is a problem

In addition to this, the month also urges parents to identify if there are any possible speech and language problems in their children that can affect their child’s learning and development.

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As the first and foremost objective is to raise awareness, ASHA offers various resources for their annual campaign for celebrating BHSM throughout the month of May. The resources are for patients, health professionals, and public members.

All the above actions are put in place so that people can opt for the treatment at the appropriate time to enhance the quality of life, especially for those with communication disorders.

What is the theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month 2020?

Every year, the month of May is observed as Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM). This year, the theme for celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) is “Communication at Work”.

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However, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) had to revise their plans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The organization has shifted its focus on how the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted people with hearing loss.

Following the pandemic, almost all consumers/public resources will talk about coronavirus. Moreover, these resources will guide on prevention as well as the management of communication disorders during such a difficult time.

Last year ASHA ran a social campaign known as ‘Speaking Up for Communication’, which they are running again for the entire month of May this year. You can join this campaign and have the opportunity to educate a large proportion of people about communication disorders. To know more, you can check their social media accounts where they keep posting regularly.

What are some signs of hearing loss?

There are common signs of hearing loss that ENT doctors look out for to diagnose hearing loss. Some of them are-

The person with hearing loss asks people frequently to repeat themselves.
In order to hear it better, the individual turns their ear in the direction of the sound.
When you look directly at the person with hearing loss, they can understand the conversation better.
Unable to hear the entire conversation in a group.
Suffering from earache or ringing in the ears.
Keeping volume levels of TV or radio higher than other people normally listen to.

How to prevent hearing loss?

Similar to any other disease, hearing loss is also preventable. Here are some basic precautionary measures suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) that can reduce the risk of partial or total hearing loss.

Immunize children against diseases such as measles, meningitis, rubella, and mumps.
Immunize women belonging to reproductive age against rubella.
Maintain proper hygiene in expectant mothers.
Screen pregnant women and infants for any infections.
Follow healthy ear care practices regularly.
Raise awareness about maternal and health campaigns.
Check for otitis media when symptoms are experienced followed by using medical or surgical interventions such as tympanoplasty.