BNM Professional Consulting Services, Inc.

May is one of our favorite months of the year because it is Better Speech and Hearing Month.  

BSHM is a great time of year to educate the people around you about speech and language disorders, to be an advocate for the people in your life who deal with speech or hearing troubles, and to celebrate all the different ways that we communicate with one another.  

Here are a few simple ways that you can help spread Better Speech and Hearing Month awareness: 

Schedule a hearing exam 

If you’ve found that you need to turn the volume on your TV up louder and louder to hear your favorite shows, or if you have a little one whose language is progressing a bit slowly, consider scheduling a hearing exam. Call up your family doctor to schedule an appointment. 

Schedule a speech and language consultation 

Many speech language pathologists (including BNM) offer free consultations to find out if you or your children are dealing with a speech or language disorder and what steps to take next. With children in particular, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between the normal ups and down of developing language skills and speech issues that might require the help of an SLP. That’s why it’s important to take the time to find out. Arming yourself with information is the first step toward helping your children become strong, confident communicators. 

Spread BSHM awareness on social media 

Get online and share your stories about speech and hearing challenges that your family has faced or the unique ways that you have found to communicate. Celebrate communication diversity and spread useful information to help others learn from your experience.  

Become an ASHA advocate 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a wonderful resource full of information about how you can advocate at the state and local levels on behalf of people with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Learn more here. 

Get your school involved 

If your children are in school, reach out to their teachers or principals about including Better Speech and Hearing topics in this month’s curriculum. ASHA has some great tips on possible school activities, such as art projects about all the different ways that people communicate, lessons on protecting our hearing, and classroom discussion that can help build awareness and understanding.