|
The
ASHA is a credentialing association of almost 100,000 speech-language
pathologists, audiologists, and scientists in the fields of
speech-language and hearing.
Consumers
may contact the AHSA by phone at 800-638-8255, send e-mail to actioncenter@asha.org
or visit http://www.asha.org/contents.htm
for listings of certified audiologists and speech-language
pathologists, self-help groups, summer programs and brochures.
Nationally, audiologists and speech-language pathologists have
provided free hearing and speech screenings in May.
Communication
disorders affect an estimated 42 million Americans, including 28
million with hearing losses and 14 million with speech-language
disorders. These disorders can have adverse effects on a person’s
academic achievement, social adjustment and career advancement.
Audiologists
and speech-language pathologists can recommend preventive measures
(such as ear protection against noise exposure), identify and assess
existing communication disorders, provide information on coping
strategies, and recommend appropriate assistive technology, which can
range from hearing aids to voice-synthesizing computers.
(To
top of second column)
|
Speech difficulties that
are diagnosed and treated by speech-language pathologists include the
following:
-
Stuttering and other fluency problems
-
Articulation or pronunciation difficulties
(substituting, omitting or distorting sounds)
-
Disorders that limit a person’s ability to
understand language (Some
“learning disabilities” are actually language disorders.)
-
Voice disorders (This can include speech that
is too high, low, loud, soft, nasal or hoarse.)
-
Aphasia (Typically following head injury or
stroke, aphasia limits people’s ability to express what they are
thinking, although the thinking is clear.)
-
Speech-language pathologists also assist with
dysphagia, a swallowing disorder.
Audiologists identify and
assess hearing disorders. Treatment recommendations may include
hearing aids and other assistive devices. Hearing loss sometimes
develops gradually, with noise exposure or aging, for example.
These are signs of a possible hearing loss:
-
Frequently asking people to repeat what they
have said
-
Turning one’s head to hear a sound better
-
Understanding conversation better when
wearing glasses or looking directly at the person talking
-
Difficulty following conversation in a group
-
Using radio or television at a volume that
other people say is too loud
-
Ringing or pain in the ears
Better Speech and Hearing
Month had its origins in 1927, when a group of “speech
correctionists,” as they were called then, selected the spring month
of May to symbolize the new life that speech treatment could give. The
emphasis later expanded to increase public awareness of other
communication disorders.
[LDN]
|
