This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Speech and Hearing Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Speech and Hearing Awareness Month is observed on May 1st.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you ought to know about Speech and Hearing Awareness Month.
📅 What day is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month 2024?
In 2024, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Speech and Hearing Awareness Day is celebrated every May to raise awareness about communication disorders and support individuals with hearing or speech problems. It is a month dedicated to recognizing the achievements of professionals in the speech-language-hearing field, such as speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing scientists. We appreciate the valuable assistance they provide, including patient support and life-changing therapies. This awareness month aims to diminish the stigma surrounding communication impairments and encourages everyone to learn more and get involved in supporting this cause.
📜 Speech and Hearing Awareness Month History
During the Middle Ages, language disorders were considered separate from other illnesses. Bernard de Gordon, in his book “Lily of the Valley,” classified individuals with speech difficulties as those who struggle to express their thoughts. It wasn’t until the 1700s that research on language problems began with the writings of doctors Johann Gesner in Germany and Alexander Crichton in Scotland, who explored aphasia caused by events like strokes or head injuries.
However, the formal study of speech and language pathology originated in the early twentieth century. The American Academy of Speech Correction was established in 1926, and over the next two decades, speech therapy gained popularity. In the late 1960s, a clear distinction between speech problems and language disorders was recognized and applied to the profession.
Between 1975 and 2000, the pragmatics revolution took place, introducing discussions, social engagement, event participation, and other communicative strategies as therapeutic approaches in speech and language therapy. This movement has since become an integral part of modern speech and language therapy.
✅ Speech and Hearing Awareness Month Facts
🔖 The golden rule with earphones
The World Health Organization advises that limiting the volume to 60% while using earbuds for music can minimize harm to the eardrums.
🔖 Hearing loss has no known treatment
🔖 The risk of audio devices
There is a significant risk for half of the individuals aged 12 to 35 who use hearing aids to potentially harm their hearing.
👍 Why Is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month Important
People with speech or hearing problems are frequently ridiculed or bullied at various stages of their lives. Speech and Hearing Awareness Month strives to normalize these disorders by educating people about how prevalent these diseases are. Eliminating stigma is an important step toward combating bullying and humiliation of people with these conditions.
Unfortunately, we live in an age of disinformation and fake news. It is critical to disseminate information about speech, hearing, and language disorders in order to separate the true risk factors from the myths.
Speech pathology and allied hearing and language studies, like any other scientific topic, are always evolving. Raising awareness of these ailments aids in the progress of research and studies, which may benefit future generations.
🙂 How To Observe Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
⚡ Educate your colleagues
⚡ Schedule a hearing exam
It is important to recognize the significance of getting your hearing tested on a yearly basis, just like you would with your eyes or teeth. By doing so, you can not only identify any potential issues, but also establish a routine of regularly checking your ear health.
⚡ Attend seminars and symposiums
Educating your coworkers is another method to promote awareness, eliminate stigma, and dispel misconceptions regarding speech and hearing problems. Arrange a meeting or an event in honor of Speech and Hearing Awareness Month to help spread the word about these illnesses.
📅 When is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
Explore all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Speech and Hearing Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.