National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This video briefly discusses information about hearing loss and speech language barriers, communication methods, and how to protect your ears.
Chapters
0:04 Intro
0:52 End the Stigma
1:36 Improving Communication
2:31 Protecting Your Ears
4:07 Conclusion
Informational resources:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
www.asha.org/n...
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
www.hearinglos...
Music Credit:
Song title: Good Company
Music by AudioCoffee
www.audiocoffe...
/ @audiocoffeemusic
Transcript:
(Voiceover) The logo of disability Network Eastern Michigan appears on the screen.
(Music playing)
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. Many people with speech-language barriers and/or hearing loss have experienced challenges in connecting and communicating with others.
Speech Language Pathology resources and technology in hearing aids and cochlear implants have significantly improved over the years. This has led more people to readily seek help from audiologists and speech language pathologists without the stigma.
Some stigma people with hearing loss and speech-language barriers have experienced include feeling judged and feeling like an outcast. This has led some into social isolation.
Communication has also impacted their lives. Especially when it comes to the workplace and relationships at home.
It's important that we work together to dispel the stigma and improve our communication.
There are some simple steps you can take to when communicating with people with hearing loss. Make sure to speak in your regular voice and tone; because when you shout, you’re only distorting your voice making it more difficult for people to understand what you're saying.
Be patient.
Consider rephrasing your sentences.
Do not block your mouth because many people with hearing loss read lips.
And you can always ask individuals, what their preferred method of communication is.
It's also important for you to protect you own ears.
Hearing loss can occur at any age. Not just an older adults. Some equipment you can use to protect your ears include wearing ear muffs or ear plugs. You should consider taking action to protect your ears when you’re exposed to sounds at or over 85 decibels.
For example, a gas powered lawnmower is at approximately 91 decibels. A hairdryer is at approximately 94 decibels. Once sounds exceed 94 decibels you could lose your hearing in a matter of minutes if you’re exposed to it for certain period of time.
For example, if you're listening to an mp3 player at full volume, that can range between 100 to 110 decibels. If you're at a concert or sporting event, that can range between 110 to 120 decibels. And if you're using a jack hammer without hearing protection, that ranges at 130 decibels which is where you could lose your hearing in a matter of seconds.
Please remember to be kind to your ears to that you can stay connected to the environment around you and your loved ones. Thank you for watching and please stay tuned for our next video.
(Voiceover) For more information on speech-language disabilities and hearing loss check out some of the resources provided in the description below.