Once again Elks and Royal Purple show pride in the hearing and speech professions and help raise awareness of the issues related to communicative disorders. Communication is the key.
We focus on programs that address the needs of children with hearing and speech disorders. Why? Here are some excellent reasons.
Early detection of hearing and speech disorders is everyone’s responsibility. Early intervention is critical. Children are at risk of developing social, emotional, behavioral and/or learning problems if speech, language and/or hearing problems are not identified early. Difficulties with communication affect not only the child but the entire family. Children learn speech and language from listening to others. When a hearing loss exists, the child does not get the full benefit of language learning experiences.
What else can you do? In your conversation with children be a model for correct pronunciation. Listen carefully and give the child enough time to speak. Don’t interrupt. Use a slow, natural rate of speech. Use open-ended questions like, “What did you buy at the store?” If you think that a child you know has a hearing problem, he/she should see a family physician or audiologist as soon as possible. Encourage the family.