May is a particularly special month for us at Hearing Spa of Florida, as well as for audiologist and speech and language therapists across the country. The reason? May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. Every May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) creates a theme to promote healthy hearing and speech for people across the globe. The theme for 2017 is “Communication: The Key to Connection”. At Hearing Spa of Florida, we understand just how important a role communication plays in our connections in romance, with family, and in the workplace. When hearing is compromised, communication becomes difficult and even frustrating, thus creating a strain on our connections with those we love.
What are the goals of BSHM?
Better Speech and Hearing Month is intended to raise awareness and educate the community on hearing and communication disorders, and the life-altering importance of treatment. This year, BSHM is focused on improved awareness of speech related issues for those with hearing loss, those on the autism spectrum and those who have suffered a stroke. With the theme “Communication: The Key to Connection” there is a strong focus on how healthy communication improves our relationships and feelings of true connection to one another. Together, ASHA believes that we can create a world where those with hearing and speech issues are treated with dignity, and understand the options and the benefits of treatment.
There are many ways to get involved in the efforts of BSHM. One of the easiest ways is to sign up for the Speaking Up for Communication social media campaign. Earn points for things like following ASHA on Twitter or Instagram, mentioning the 2017 theme on your social media accounts, and asking friends to join you. The more points you earn the better your chances to win awesome prizes, such as Amazon gift cards or BSHM gear. Not to mention the impact you’ll be making by spreading awareness and acceptance for people with hearing, speech and communication issues. To sign up, click here: http://asha.socialtoaster.com/.
For more information on BSHM and all of the great ways to get involved, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website at: http://www.asha.org/bhsm/. In honor of Better Speech and Hearing Month, (BSHM) we’ve decided to share an inspirational story about hearing loss, communication, and connection, right here in sunny Florida.
Not All Communication and Connections are Human Connections
Meet Kumbuka. Kumbuka is a 20-year-old gorilla at the Jacksonville Zoo who is inspiring children with hearing loss. When her trainers noticed her delayed response to verbal commands, and her social withdraw from the other gorillas in her troop – they began to wonder if she had hearing loss.
Kumbuka was tested using advanced ADR assessments to determine her hearing abilities. It was determined that Kumbuka was, in fact, deaf. Like humans, gorillas are extremely social animals who are very vocal with they way they communicate with each other. Upon realization of Kumbuka’s deafness, zookeepers were able to implement communication that was more visual, using flashlights and hand signals rather than verbal cues. Kumbuka is now able to learn the commands and better understand her trainers and environment. Jacksonville Zoo hopes that these improvements in communication will also help her with her interactions with the other gorillas as well.
Kumbuka’s story has reached a national platform, and is inspiring thousands who are deaf or hearing impaired. Karsen Morris (a young boy diagnosed with hearing loss as an infant) told Action News Jax that he was able to connect with Kumbuka, because “we both have a hearing loss”. His mother, Tina explains that like her with Karsen, the zookeepers are “trying to learn how to help her and give her a happy life”.
To read Kumbuka and Karsen’s full stories, click here: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/national/deaf-gorilla-florida-zoo-helps-hearing-impaired-kids/pPd3qScB5zEBdVmCJiuYyI/
How Hearing Spa of Florida Can Help
As is the case with Kumbuka, hearing loss also causes social withdraw, depression, social anxiety, and harms relationships if left untreated in humans. Have you noticed any signs of hearing loss? Are you skipping social situations that you used to love because communication seems stressful? Is your significant other constantly asking you to turn down the TV? Have you suddenly found yourself lost in conversations with multiple communication partners?
What better time than Better Speech and Hearing Month to schedule your hearing screen or consultation? We offer a wide range of services, including counseling on using new hearing aids and cochlear implants. Reach out to our friendly team today, we look forward to working with you and helping you to find a treatment option to improve your communication, and thus your connections.
