May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Susie Almon | posted May 13, 2010 | 
Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month during the month of May. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) myself, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all of the SLPs at Aegis Therapies and across the country.
Additionally, I thought this would be a great time to let the community know what speech-language pathologists do and how we help patients with speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
You see, I’ve always thought that speech-language pathology is one of the most misunderstood types of therapy. Many people think SLPs focus only on childhood language issues, but we do so much more.
SLPs often collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists and nurses to develop a holistic recovery plan for the patient. We also assist with speaking, writing, reading, swallowing and cognition. Problems in these areas often occur following stroke, head injuries or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s Disease.
In terms of reading, writing and cognition, SLPs can give patients the skills they need to cope with a variety of situations. We can help them remember the correct sequence in which a task, such as getting dressed, should be performed. We can also help people learn to write with their non-dominant hand or provide them cues on remembering how to read certain words.
At Aegis Therapies, we follow a “restore, compensate, adapt” model of care. That is, we help patients “restore” certain abilities they have lost, learn strategies to “compensate” for abilities they cannot regain, and train caregivers to “adapt” their approach to help patients perform other unique but necessary tasks.
Over the span of my career, I have spent an increasing amount of time helping adult patients with swallowing. Many times, patients are unable to chew effectively or may cough when they swallow. SLPs can help them learn to manage these issues.
To learn more about Better Hearing and Speech Month, visit ASHA’s website at www.asha.org/bhsm.
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