Did you know this month is Better Hearing and Speech Month?
It’s a time set aside each year to focus on something we all depend on every single day: communication. Whether we talk, sign, text, write, or use technology to communicate, we all want the same thing—to be understood and to understand others.
Better Hearing and Speech Month is a reminder that not everyone hears or speaks in the same way, and that’s okay. Our job is to make sure everyone is included in the conversation.
What Is Better Hearing and Speech Month?
Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) is observed every May. Its goal is to:
- Raise awareness about hearing loss and hearing health
- Highlight speech, language, and communication differences
- Support people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech and language disorders
- Recognize the professionals who help (audiologists, speech-language pathologists, interpreters, teachers, and more)
But BHSM isn’t just for experts. It’s for everyone:
- Parents and families
- Students and teachers
- Co‑workers and employers
- Churches and community groups
- Friends and neighbors
If you communicate with other people, this month is for you.
Why Hearing and Speech Matter to All of Us
Communication shapes almost every part of life:
- Relationships and friendships
- School and learning
- Work and career
- Daily tasks and safety
- Worship, community, and connection
For many people, communication takes extra effort. Some:
- Are Deaf or hard of hearing
- Have speech or language delays
- Stutter or have other speech differences
- Use sign language as their primary language
- Use communication devices, apps, or other tools to express themselves
When we understand this, we stop assuming that everyone communicates the same way. We begin to see communication differences not as “problems,” but as part of human diversity.
Common Misunderstandings About Hearing and Speech
This month is a good time to clear up a few myths:
Myth 1: “If they don’t respond, they’re ignoring me.”
Reality: They may not have heard you, may not have seen your face, or may be working hard to process what you said—especially in noisy places.
Myth 2: “Hearing aids fix hearing completely.”
Reality: Hearing aids and cochlear implants can help a lot, but they don’t make hearing “perfect.” Background noise, fast speech, and group conversations can still be tough.
Myth 3: “If someone uses sign language or a device, they don’t understand much.”
Reality: How someone communicates has nothing to do with how smart they are. Many Deaf people and people who use alternative communication are bilingual, creative, and highly skilled.
Myth 4: “Kids will just grow out of speech or language delays.”
Reality: Sometimes they do, but often they need support. Early evaluation and therapy can make a big difference in school, friendships, and confidence.
The more we learn, the more respectful—and effective—our communication becomes.
Simple Ways Everyone Can Be More Inclusive
You don’t need special training to support people with hearing or speech differences. Small changes help a lot:
1. Get Their Attention First
Say their name, wave, or gently tap them (if it’s appropriate) before you start talking. This gives them a chance to focus on you.
2. Face Them When You Talk
Many people rely on facial expressions and lip movements. Face them directly and avoid talking while you’re turned away or walking away.
3. Speak Clearly and Calmly
You don’t need to shout. Speak at a natural pace, pronounce your words clearly, and pause when needed. If they don’t understand, try saying it in a different way.
4. Make Things Quieter When You Can
Turn down music or TV, move away from loud areas, or close a door. Less background noise makes it much easier to follow a conversation.
5. Be Patient
If someone needs extra time to speak, sign, or type their message, give it to them. Don’t rush or finish their sentences unless they ask you to help.
6. Offer Different Ways to Communicate
Use writing, texting, visual aids, or sign language (if you know it). When possible, turn on captions for videos—they help everyone, not just people who are hard of hearing.
7. Ask What Works Best
A simple question—“Is there anything I can do to make communication easier for you?”—shows respect and a willingness to meet them where they are.
Accessibility Helps Everyone
Better Hearing and Speech Month also reminds us of the importance of accessibility:
- Sign languages (like American Sign Language) are full, rich languages.
- Interpreters help bridge the gap between spoken and signed languages in schools, workplaces, and events.
- Captions and transcripts make content easier to follow—not just for Deaf and hard of hearing people, but also for people in noisy places, language learners, and anyone who processes information better by reading.
- Assistive listening devices (like hearing loops, FM systems, or special microphones) allow people to fully participate instead of being left out.
When we choose accessibility, we are saying: “You matter. Your voice belongs here.”
How You Can Take Part This Month
Here are a few easy ways anyone can join in:
- Learn a few basic signs in a sign language used in your area (like ASL)
- Share a post or article about hearing and speech awareness on social media
- Turn on captions when you share videos
- Encourage regular hearing checks for kids and older adults
- Check your home, classroom, or church for simple changes: better seating, use of microphones, or quieter spaces for conversation
- Talk with children about kindness toward people who communicate differently
You don’t have to do everything—just do something.
Listening With More Than Our Ears
At its heart, Better Hearing and Speech Month is about listening—with our ears, our eyes, and our hearts.
When we slow down, look at the person in front of us, and make room for different ways of communicating, we send a powerful message:
“You are seen. You are heard. You belong.”
This month, let’s be more aware, more patient, and more intentional so that no one is left out of the conversation.
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