May is recognized annually as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, spearheaded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This observance is dedicated to raising public consciousness about the wide range of communication disorders that affect individuals across the lifespan. The primary goal remains to encourage early detection and intervention for both hearing and speech-language difficulties.
Understanding the Scope of Communication Health
Communication health encompasses the ability to hear, understand, and express thoughts and feelings effectively, which is foundational to participation in society. Communication disorders are common, affecting approximately 40 million Americans. This makes these conditions among the most prevalent disabilities in the United States.
The impact is substantial in childhood development, where nearly 8% of U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17 have a disorder related to voice, speech, or language. This prevalence is even higher in the 3-to-6-year-old age range, where about 11% of children are affected. Early difficulties can significantly influence a child’s academic progress and social development if left unaddressed.
Communication health issues are often categorized into speech, language, and hearing disorders, each with distinct features. Speech disorders involve the mechanics of producing sounds, such as articulation errors, fluency interruptions like stuttering, or voice quality problems. Language disorders relate to the ability to understand (receptive language) or use (expressive language) words and sentences to communicate meaning.
Hearing loss acts as a barrier to both speech and language development and is a growing concern across all age groups. It is estimated that about 5% of the world’s population experiences some degree of hearing loss. For adults, approximately 10% of the U.S. population reports a communication disability, highlighting that these issues are not limited to childhood.
Recognizing Signs and Seeking Professional Evaluation
Recognizing the specific indicators of a communication disorder is the first step toward seeking necessary intervention. In early childhood, speech milestones provide clear markers for potential concern. Parents should note if a child is not babbling or using gestures like pointing or waving by 12 months of age.
By 18 months, difficulty imitating sounds or trouble understanding simple verbal requests are potential warning signs. Speech clarity is also a factor, as parents should be able to understand approximately 50% of a child’s speech by age two and 75% by age three. Other indicators include an unusual voice quality, such as persistent hoarseness or nasality.
Signs of hearing loss in adults and seniors often manifest subtly, frequently starting with difficulty hearing in noisy environments like restaurants. A person may frequently ask others to repeat themselves or complain that people seem to be mumbling. Needing to turn the volume of the television or radio significantly higher than others is a common behavioral sign.
For adult speech and language issues, symptoms can include a slurred or slowed rate of speech, often associated with neurological events. Difficulty retrieving the correct words or speaking in short, fragmented phrases are signs of expressive language problems. A persistent change in voice quality, such as a breathy or hoarse voice lasting longer than two weeks, also warrants attention.
If any of these indicators are observed, a professional evaluation is the appropriate next step. Certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat speech and language disorders, while Audiologists specialize in diagnosing and managing hearing and balance problems. Early consultation with one of these certified professionals is directly linked to better long-term outcomes, especially for children.
Accessing Resources and Promoting Awareness
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month allows the public to engage with communication health resources. Many organizations, private practices, and universities offer free or low-cost screenings for speech, language, and hearing during May. These screenings provide a quick check to determine if a full evaluation is warranted.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) acts as a central hub, providing information and educational materials to the public. These resources include fact sheets, developmental milestone charts, and toolkits on topics like over-the-counter hearing aids. ASHA also sponsors public awareness campaigns to “Identify the Signs” of a communication disorder.
Awareness can be promoted by sharing reliable information on social media or advocating for hearing and speech screenings in local schools. Support groups and government programs, such as early intervention services, represent valuable resources for affected individuals and their families. Increasing public understanding helps reduce the stigma associated with communication disorders and ensures timely care.