Understanding Hearing Health: A Parent’s Guide to National Speech and Hearing Month 

Every May, we celebrate National Speech and Hearing Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about communication disorders and promoting hearing health. This blog post will focus on providing parents guidance on how to best maintain their children’s hearing health and how it impacts our children’s overall well-being and academic success. 

It’s important to note that not all individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing choose to access sound. However, in this guide, we’ll focus primarily on hearing health for those that do. Here’s what you need to know: 

Hearing loss can occur at any age. Common indicators of hearing loss in school-age children include: 

1. Difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments. 
2. Difficulty localizing, or identifying which direction a sound is coming from. 
3. Frequently asking for repetition or clarification. 
4. Struggling academically, especially in subjects that require listening and auditory processing. 
5. Social withdrawal or difficulty engaging in conversations with peers. 
6. Complaints of ear pain, ringing in the ears, or discomfort. 

Hearing loss in children can stem from various factors, including genetics, prenatal exposure to infections or medications, birth complications, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions or medications. Additionally, recurrent ear infections can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss if left untreated. 

While some causes of hearing loss are unavoidable, there are several preventive measures parents can take to protect their children’s hearing: 

1. Limit exposure to loud noises, including concerts, fireworks, and sporting events. Use ear protection such as earmuffs or earplugs when necessary. 
2. Encourage proper ear hygiene and seek prompt medical attention for ear infections or other ear-related issues. 
3. Stay up-to-date with routine hearing screenings and assessments, especially if there’s a family history of hearing loss or other risk factors. 
4. Educate children about the importance of protecting their hearing and practicing safe listening habits when using headphones or earbuds. 

Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing hearing loss effectively. If you suspect your child may have a hearing loss, don’t hesitate to consult with an audiologist or healthcare provider. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your child’s hearing and recommend appropriate interventions, which may include: 

1. Hearing aids: These devices amplify sounds and improve auditory perception for individuals with hearing loss. 
2. Assistive listening devices: FM systems, cochlear implants, and other assistive technologies can enhance communication in educational settings. 
3. A referral to a Speech Language Pathologist: Therapy may help develop communication skills, improve speech clarity, and facilitate language development. 
4. Classroom accommodations: A recommendation may be made to your child’s school team to ensure they have access to accommodations and support services. 

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing a child’s hearing health. By understanding the signs of hearing loss, taking preventive measures, seeking early intervention when needed, and providing ongoing support, we can help children who are deaf and hard of hearing to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Suggested Additional Resources: 

• Speech-Language and Audiology Canada – May is Speech & Hearing Month – May is Speech and Hearing Month! 
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (asha.org) 
• American Academy of Audiology – May Is Better Hearing Month – American Academy of Audiology 
• CDC – Centre for Disease Control – May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (cdc.gov)