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The Ability to Communicate is Our Most Human
Characteristic
H
earing is essential to learning, working and social
interaction. A communication disorder can happen to
anyone at any time, limiting the potential for academic,
social and career achievement. It is estimated that 42
million Americans have a speech, language or hearing
disorder.
Hearing Disorders
Individuals with a hearing disorder do not hear sound
clearly. The problem may range from hearing sounds
faintly to profound deafness. Some causes of hearing loss
are chronic ear infections or exposure to very loud
noise, which can damage the structure of the inner ear as
well as the auditory nerve. Other causes include aging
and health problems during birth.
Speech Disorders
A speech disorder is an impairment of articulation of
speech sounds, fluency or voice. Some causes may be
related to hearing loss, stroke or severe head injury, or
mental retardation. Speech disfluencies such as
stuttering may be influenced by genetics, incoordination
of speech muscles, environmental factors, or rate of
language development.
Language Disorders
A language disorder is the impaired comprehension
and/or use of spoken and written language necessary for
expressing and understanding thoughts and ideas.
Disorders of language affect children and adults
differently.
For children who do not use language normally from
birth, or who acquire the impairment in childhood, the
disorder occurs in the context of a language system that
is not fully developed or acquired. Adults acquire
disorders of language because of stroke, head injury,
dementia, or brain tumors.
Call an ASHA-certified audiologist or speech-language
pathologist in your area to discuss speech-language or
hearing problems, tips on early detection and
intervention, and information on new treatments and
technologies available to treat these disorders.
M
ay is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM).
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists across the
country designate this special month to inform and
educate consumers about communication disorders and their
roles in treating these disorders.
For more information on communication disorders or for
referrals to certified professionals, consumers can call
ASHA HELPLINE at 1-800-638-TALK (8255)
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Audiologists are
hearing health care professionals who specialize in
preventing, identifying and assessing hearing disorders
as well as providing audiologic treatment including
hearing aids and other assistive listening
devices.
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Speech-language pathologists are
the professionals who identify, assess, and treat
speech and language problems including swallowing
disorders.
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ASHA is
the national professional, scientific, and
credentialing association for more than 120,000
audiologists, speech-language pathologists and
speech
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