May 2, 2025
10 minutes
Written by
Minah Han
Community News
No items found.
May 2, 2025
10 minutes
Written by
Minah Han
Community News
No items found.

What Is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

Every May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month highlights the importance of communication health. Formerly known as Better Hearing and Speech Month, the observance was renamed in 2024 to reflect a more inclusive, modern understanding of communication needs—recognizing the full spectrum of how people connect beyond simply “better” hearing and speech.

This month-long initiative promotes early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing support for individuals facing speech, language, or hearing challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore the history and impact of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month—and how you can help raise awareness and support communication health in your community.

A promotional Instagram video post from ASHA (@ashaweb) featuring the logo for "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in bold, modern typography. The logo is centered on a dark blue circle with colorful curved bands in teal, yellow, and purple in the background. The caption encourages followers to visit ASHA's NSLHM resource page and use downloadable materials like social media frames, GIPHYs, and appreciation templates to celebrate and raise awareness during May.
Screenshot via @ASHAWeb on Instagram

The Significance of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is more than an awareness campaign—it is a movement to foster inclusion, empathy, and connection. Observed each May, it underscores the essential role that speech, language, and hearing play in everyday life—from building relationships and participating in education to thriving in the workplace and engaging with the broader community.

In addition to raising awareness, the observance promotes public education around early action. Whether it’s recognizing signs of hearing loss or supporting someone with a language disorder, early intervention can lead to lifelong, transformative outcomes.

Defining the Celebration

At its core, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is about sharing knowledge and expanding access to care. Everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate with clarity and confidence.

Throughout the month, professionals and advocates host educational events, share digital resources, and facilitate conversations that elevate understanding of communication health. The collective mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure individuals and families are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.

Who Benefits and Why

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month creates opportunities to support individuals across all stages of life:

Children benefit from early identification and intervention, which can prevent communication challenges from interfering with academic, social, or emotional development. According to the CDC, speech and language disorders are among the most common developmental delays in young children—impacting up to 1 in 12 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S.

Adults benefit from access to screenings, resources, and therapies that improve day-to-day communication at home and in professional settings. Addressing issues early helps reduce misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and improve quality of life.

Seniors benefit from recognizing and managing age-related changes in speech and hearing. According to the NIHL, hearing loss affects nearly two-thirds of adults over age 70. Timely care supports social engagement, cognitive function, and continued independence.

Historical Context and Evolution

Founding Purpose

The origins of this observance date back nearly a century. In 1927, the Federation of Organizations for the Hard of Hearing introduced National Hearing Week to raise public awareness about hearing health and encourage communities to support those experiencing hearing loss.

By 1958, the initiative expanded to include speech and language, and May was officially designated as Better Hearing Month. This broadened focus reflected a deeper understanding of communication—not just hearing, but the ability to speak, understand, and be understood.

A vintage black-and-white poster from May 1960 promoting Better Hearing Month. The top half features three smiling children—two girls in patterned skirts and a boy—dancing in a circle with the caption, “These happy Sub-teen Americans RECEIVED HELP TO HEAR!” Below, a girl points to a calendar marked “May 1960” beside bold white text that reads, “May is better hearing month.” The poster was sponsored by the American Hearing Society and contributed by Zenith Radio Corporation's Hearing Aid Division.

Growth Through the Years

What began as a modest awareness effort has evolved into a global initiative embraced by healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates. Key milestones include:

  • 1927 – National Hearing Week was established by the Federation of Organizations for the Hard of Hearing to raise public awareness about hearing health.
  • 1958 – Better Hearing Month officially designated May as a time to elevate awareness of hearing-related issues.
  • 1972 – Better Hearing and Speech Month marked a name change that formally recognized speech-language concerns alongside hearing health.
  • 2024 – National Speech-Language-Hearing Month introduced a more inclusive name to reflect the full spectrum of communication needs and promote accessibility for all.

This campaign has since empowered millions through education, resources, and community-driven action.

Understanding Communication Impediments

At the heart of this month lies a commitment to early detection and intervention—ensuring individuals can access the care and support they need to communicate confidently and effectively.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects millions worldwide and is often gradual, commonly caused by aging or prolonged exposure to loud environments. There are three main types:

  • Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear and is often medically treatable.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear or auditory nerve and typically requires long-term support, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants.
  • Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components.
A Venn diagram titled “Types of Hearing Loss,” with three overlapping sections: Sensorineural, Conductive, and Mixed.  The Sensorineural section (purple) lists causes like aging, noise damage, drug side effects, auditory tumors, and blast/explosion.  The Conductive section (light gray) includes fluid, foreign objects, allergies, ruptured eardrum, and impacted earwax.  The Mixed section (overlapping center) lists genetic disorders, infections, and head trauma. Each item is paired with a corresponding icon for visual clarity. The layout clearly distinguishes the three types of hearing loss and their associated causes.
Graphic courtesy of Hear USA

Speech and Language Conditions

Communication challenges can significantly affect how individuals express themselves, relate to others, and function in school or work settings. Common conditions include:

  • Speech sound disorders, which involve difficulty producing specific sounds clearly. Speech therapy can greatly improve articulation and clarity.
  • Fluency disorders, such as stuttering, which interrupt the natural rhythm of speech and may persist from childhood into adulthood.
  • Language disorders, which involve difficulties understanding or using language, including challenges with vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.

With the right support, individuals can overcome these obstacles and develop strong, lasting communication skills.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early action leads to better outcomes. Identifying communication challenges as they arise allows individuals to access targeted support before the issues become more complex or disruptive.

  • Children from early therapy that supports language development during critical brain growth periods. Research shows that children who receive early speech-language support are significantly more likely to succeed academically and socially.
  • Adults and seniors benefit from timely care that preserves communication abilities, strengthens interpersonal connections, and promotes ongoing participation in community life.

Early intervention is not only effective—it is life-changing.

Speech therapist and young girl sitting across from each other at a table, both pointing to their mouths while practicing speech sounds during a therapy session with colorful letters scattered on the table.

The Role of Professionals and Support Systems

Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

These professionals are the cornerstone of communication care. Their work encompasses evaluation, treatment, education, and advocacy.

  • Assessment and diagnosis involve audiologists evaluating hearing abilities and speech-language pathologists identifying communication strengths and concerns.
  • Personalized treatment plans may include therapy sessions, assistive technologies, or practical strategies tailored to the individual.
  • Ongoing education and advocacy ensure that individuals and families have access to reliable information, supportive resources, and community networks.
Smiling female audiologist using an otoscope to examine the ear of a young girl in a red dress, who is holding a stuffed tiger and smiling during a hearing checkup.

Collaborative Care

Comprehensive care depends on collaboration. When healthcare providers, educators, and families work as a team, individuals receive consistent and effective support.

  • In schools, speech-language pathologists partner with teachers to incorporate communication strategies into classroom learning.
  • In medical settings, audiologists work alongside primary care providers to develop holistic treatment plans.
  • At home, families play a key role by reinforcing skills and creating communication-friendly environments.

Community and Family Support

Supportive environments are essential for communication growth. Whether at home, school, or within the community, consistent encouragement and practice can make a lasting difference.

Families and caregivers can contribute by:

  • Engaging in daily conversations that encourage expression and listening.
  • Using routines as language-building opportunities, such as mealtime discussions, reading together, or talking during errands.
  • Celebrating progress through small milestones, shared accomplishments, or local events that recognize communication as a strength.

Even simple, consistent efforts at home can reinforce therapy and boost confidence.

Ways to Participate and Raise Awareness

Public Events and Education

In-person initiatives help spark engagement and deepen community understanding. You can:

  • Host or attend workshops led by professionals focused on communication development and hearing health.
  • Coordinate school presentations or community events, such as HLAA’s Walk4Hearing that highlight the importance of early detection and inclusive support.
  • Organize interactive activities for children that promote speech and listening skills through play.
Instagram post from InnoCaption featuring a group photo of seven people standing on a sunny beach during HLAA Walk4Hearing in San Diego. Everyone is smiling and wearing matching black t-shirts, with a beachside neighborhood and clear blue sky in the background. A caption overlay reads, “See you guys next time! 💙” and the post celebrates teamwork, awareness, and inclusion for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Screenshot via @InnoCaptionApp on Instagram

Online Engagement

Digital platforms are powerful tools for advocacy and education. During May, consider ways to amplify the message online:

  • Share educational content, stories, or visuals that bring awareness to communication health.
  • Use hashtags like #NSLHM to join the national conversation.
  • Update social media profile images or banners to reflect your support and encourage others to learn more.
An educational graphic titled "Myth vs. Fact: Hearing Loss and Hearing Health" from the American Academy of Audiology. The image debunks the myth "Hearing loss does not affect newborn babies" and presents the fact that approximately 6 out of 1,000 babies are born with a significant hearing problem each year. A green and white pacifier illustration is centered between the myth and fact sections. Below the graphic, thumbnail previews of other related myth/fact slides are visible. The statistics are sourced from WHO, NIDCD, and CDC.
Graphic courtesy of American Academy of Audiology

Fundraising and Advocacy

Access to care isn’t always guaranteed—but advocacy can help bridge the gap.

  • Host fundraisers or donation drives to support nonprofits providing communication services and equipment.
  • Support policies and programs that expand access to therapy and hearing healthcare in schools and underserved communities
  • Advocate for inclusive public health efforts that make communication support available to everyone—regardless of age, background, or income.

Together, small steps can drive systemic change.

Making an Impact This Year

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is more than a date on the calendar—it is a call to action. Through education, advocacy, and community support, we can build a more inclusive world—one where everyone has the tools and opportunity to be heard.

Let’s make this May a catalyst for change, connection, and communication—for everyone, everywhere.

Play
1min

Make calls with confidence

InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.

Llame con confianza

InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.