Teachers can identify children with indications of hearing problems, such as lack of response to questioning, and should recommend consultation with an audiologist for treatment. Adults should be aware of their own hearing problems by looking for symptoms. These include: Repeating "what" frequently; putting the television on too loudly; turning the ear toward the sound.
Speaking problems include articulation, in which words are not pronounced clearly or "r" and "l" are confused, for example. Vocal quality such as hoarseness or nasality are characteristic of the person's speech. Stuttering and other speech defects need correction by a speech therapist. Audiologists and speech therapists work in schools, clinics, hospitals, doctor's offices or private offices.
To publicize Better Speech and Hearing Month, have artistic students make and distribute posters dealing with problems in speech and hearing and their cures. Post these in doctors' offices, libraries, schools and community meeting places.
A possible activity is to contact the local library or hospital and suggest that it invite an audiologist or speech therapist as a guest speaker during May. Write to the local newspapers about Better Speech and Hearing Month and try to reach other local media for help in publicizing this activity.
Also, have students take home letters to their parents alerting them to the month's activities. In addition, send emails and newsletters. Post notices in the teachers' room.
Contact the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for information on contests it holds annually during May (see Resources). It may also have coloring books and other items for children's activities.
Consider showing the film "The King's Speech" in the classroom or for an assembly program. Discuss stammering in class.
Ask that a librarian prepare a special corner displaying books dealing with speech and hearing issues. These can be highlighted with posters.
Take an affected child for private professional help or arrange for it in school.
Practice with the child by using the following activities at home: Ask the child to look for items that have the same starting sound. Say these aloud. Name parts of the face and body. Name an animal for every letter of the alphabet. Read a book together.
In addition, sing a rhyme and have the child sing it after you. Intoning or singing helps eliminate stuttering. For hearing problems, play a game by saying a sentence and then walking farther back. Repeat the sentence.
Check with the child after each session with the therapist and ask him to describe what was accomplished. Try to practice these techniques at home. Consult with the therapist periodically. These activities will help with communication, the objective of Better Speech and Hearing Month.