Better Speech and Hearing Month is observed throughout May each year, dedicated to increasing awareness about communication disorders and hearing health. This vital month provides an opportunity to support those affected and honor the professionals who provide life-changing treatment. Explore resources, get involved, and advocate for accessible communication for all.
Want to sponsor Better Speech and Hearing Month? Learn how
Expected Better Speech and Hearing Month Deals
Throughout Better Speech and Hearing Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness initiatives. Organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) partner with corporate sponsors to host donation drives and educational campaigns. Expect to see hearing aid manufacturers like Starkey and Phonak highlight their charitable foundations, offering matching programs or sponsoring community screening events. Speech therapy providers may offer free consultations or educational webinars. Look for retailers like CVS or Walgreens to feature awareness materials and potentially collect donations at checkout for related charities. The goal is to drive support for research, accessible services, and professional development. We encourage visiting ASHA’s official website for verified ways to contribute and participate.
Platform Guide for Better Speech and Hearing Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BSHM. Share educational infographics and personal stories to raise awareness for communication disorders.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #BetterSpeechAndHearingMonth. Tweet facts, statistics, and links to resources from ASHA and other reputable organizations.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SpeechAndHearing. Share insights on professional development, advocacy, and the impact of speech-language pathology and audiology.
Better Speech and Hearing Month Hero
Mildred Templin
History of Better Speech and Hearing Month
While records about speech and language impairments have appeared in writings for centuries, history was not kind to those presenting with such problems. During the period of the Roman Empire, for instance, people with language impairments like stuttering were placed in cages for entertainment purposes. Passing citizens would throw coins into the cage to get these people to talk.
It was only much later that speech-language pathology became a respected profession and people were able to start seeking treatment for such disorders without facing stigma. 94 years ago, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — which is America’s leading organization for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech/language/hearing scientists — founded the Better Speech and Hearing Month, to promote understanding about speech and hearing disorders, to prevent hearing loss, and encourage people to seek treatment for hearing and speech-related issues.
Responsible for initiating the development of national standards for audiologists and speech-language pathologists and certification, ASHA aims to encourage people to be aware of their hearing and speech and make a change if there is a problem. ASHA runs the Better Speech and Hearing Month campaign throughout May, sharing information on their website to raise awareness for communication disorders.
Better Speech and Hearing Month timeline
Speech-language as an avocation begins when doctors, educators, elocutionists, and other similar professionals exhibit an interest in helping others improve their speech.
The National Association of Teachers of Speech (NATS) has its first informal meeting to promote scientific and organized work in the field of speech correction.
The American Academy of Speech Correction is formed.
ASHA designates this month as Better Speech and Hearing Month.
ASHA opens its first national office in Washington, D.C.
The new national office is set up in Rockville, Maryland, and holds the distinction of being the first nonprofit company in Maryland to have a LEED-certified green building.
Better Speech and Hearing Month FAQs
When is Better Speech and Hearing Month?
In 2027, Better Speech and Hearing Month will again be observed throughout May. It’s a key period for advocacy, education, and supporting individuals affected by speech, language, and hearing challenges.
How many Americans are affected by communication disorders?
Millions of Americans continue to live with communication disorders each year. Estimates suggest that nearly one in six people in the U.S. grapple with a hearing, speech, or language impairment, highlighting the broad impact of these conditions.
What is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) serves as the primary credentialing and advocacy body for professionals in communication sciences and disorders. Its mission includes advancing scientific research, promoting ethical practice, and ensuring access to quality care.
What are common types of communication disorders?
Common communication disorders include aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, and various types of hearing loss. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, write, and interact effectively with others.
How to Observe Better Speech and Hearing Month
Adopt better habits
Improve your hearing and speech by following some simple routines. Avoid too much noise — lower the volume on your earphones, wear hearing protectors, plant a tree as a noise buffer. Improve your speech clarity by speaking to yourself in the mirror or repeating tongue twisters.
Talk about your journey
If you’ve experienced a communication disorder in your lifetime, or if you know of someone who has (and you have permission to share their story), sharing this will not only prove cathartic but can influence someone else to seek help without stigma or hesitation.
Share educational material online
ASHA dedicates this month to spreading awareness and encouraging open conversations about hearing and speech problems. For this, they share informational content like infographics and videos on their social media accounts, websites, and blogs. You too can do your part by sharing this material with your connections and contacts.
Facts About Better Speech And Hearing Month
It affects a sizeable chunk of the population
According to estimates, around 5% of the world's population experiences hearing loss.
The numbers are huge in America, too
The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) estimates around 48 million Americans are affected by hearing loss.
Noise causes hearing loss in teens
A study by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, published in 2017, shows around 13 to 18% of U.S. teens exhibit signs of noise-induced hearing loss.
Noise affects hearing for adults too
Tens of millions of U.S. adults between 20 to 69 years of age likely have hearing loss due to noise exposure, data shows.
Hearing loss increases with age
Almost 42% of 50-year-olds have hearing loss and this number increases to 71% for people over the age of 70.
Why Better Speech and Hearing Month is Important
It shines a spotlight on speech and hearing issues
ASHA founded this month to increase understanding and normalize treatment of speech and hearing issues and to give people affected with this disorder a better quality of life. By observing and participating, people like you give weight to these issues, bringing them to the forefront and normalizing our interactions with such disorders.
It makes us take stock of our communication ability
Often, speech and hearing disorders go unnoticed due to fear of being singled out or a lack of knowledge. The increased focus on such issues during this month helps us take note of our abilities and hopefully do more to improve our awareness about communication disorders.
Identifying communication problems become easier
The key to better management includes being able to identify problems at an early stage, allowing for remedial therapy, particularly where such issues may affect the quality of life. The information shared during this month goes a long way towards normalizing communication disorders and pushing people to go in for treatment if required.
Social Media Tips for Better Speech and Hearing Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands