Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM): Why Seek the Services of a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM)                                                                                                                           

Each May, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and other speech, language, and hearing professionals celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), a month of celebration started by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to increase awareness about communication, communication disorders, related areas, and those professionals who are trained to address the different areas. Throughout the month of May, the Bilingual Speech Blog will cover a variety of topics related to speech, language, hearing, feeding, swallowing, cognitive-linguistic skills, and other areas related to our disciplines. We hope you read and enjoy the information we provide. In addition, we would like to encourage interaction and dialogue with us, so please feel free to visit us on any of our social media feeds, our blog, or our website and leave your questions and comments so that we can continue the conversation. We hope you enjoy our first post of BHSM and please stay tuned for more.

Why Seek the Services of a Speech-Language Pathologist?                                                                                      Speech-language pathologists, which usually hold a master's degree, state licensure, and national certification, help to address the unique communication needs of those who need them. In general, speech-language pathologists help people from across the lifespan that struggle with one or several of the issues listed in the following section. Depending on one's age or circumstances, a speech-language pathologist may assist individuals with some or all of the following: 

• understanding spoken language
• producing spoken language
• voice production
• correct use of voice
• socialization/social skills development
• speech production/articulation
• accent modification
• written communication
• alternative forms of communication, e.g., communicating through pictures or via a special electronic device
• feeding
• chewing
• swallowing
• stuttering
• cognitive-linguistic skills
• language dominance

Speech-language pathologists can be found helping people meet their needs in a variety of settings including but not limited to:

• schools
• daycare facilities
• hospitals
• skilled nursing facilities
• nursing homes
• assisted living facilities
• private homes
• clinics

One may require the services of a speech-language pathologist due to complications that result from one or several of many issues that may occur at any point across the lifespan, including but not limited to:

• chronic ear infections
• autism
• mental retardation
• stroke or other neurological issues
• traumatic brain injury
• learning difficulties
• other congenital abnormalities
• other acute or chronic medical conditions

If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider.  You can also visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information.