What Is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

Did you know that nearly 1 in 12 U.S. children has experienced a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder in the past year? That’s just a glimpse into the vast need for awareness around communication health.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, celebrated every May, is a time to spotlight the importance of effective communication — and the professionals who make it possible. It’s a nationwide effort to bring visibility to speech, language, and hearing disorders while advocating for early intervention, equitable access to care, and greater understanding of these often overlooked challenges.

This month isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about celebrating the voices that need support, the families navigating communication barriers, and the audiologists and speech-language pathologists helping people find their words and be heard.

Throughout this article, you’ll learn:

• Where National Speech-Language-Hearing Month originated
• Why it matters more than ever in 2025
• How communication disorders affect individuals across the lifespan
• What professionals and families are doing to make a difference
• How you can participate and help spread awareness in your community

Whether you’re a parent, educator, clinician, or advocate, this is your guide to understanding and engaging with National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.

The Origins of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

If you’ve ever heard of “Better Hearing and Speech Month,” then you’ve already encountered the early version of what we now call National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM). This observance, recognized every May, didn’t always include the full spectrum of communication health — and that’s exactly why its name changed.

How It All Began

The first national recognition of communication disorders dates back to 1927, when the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) helped launch National Hearing Week. At that time, the focus was narrowly on hearing loss, reflecting the priorities of the era when industrial noise and war-related hearing injuries were top of mind.

As the field of communication sciences grew, so did the observance. By the mid-20th century, the campaign evolved into Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) — broadening its focus to include speech and language disorders. For nearly a century, this title served as the flagship term used by clinicians, schools, and public health agencies to raise awareness.

But even that inclusive term had limits.

Why the Name Changed in 2024

In 2024, ASHA made the pivotal decision to officially rename the month to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This change was more than cosmetic — it was philosophical and deeply intentional.

“The new name better reflects the full scope of what we aim to raise awareness about,” said Janet Deppe, director of state advocacy at ASHA. “Speech, language, and hearing are distinct but interconnected domains. The updated name communicates that more clearly and inclusively.”
— ASHA News, 2023

The renaming also aligned with a growing demand from advocates and families for equity in visibility across the wide range of communication disorders — including nonverbal and augmentative communication needs.

In fact, many speech-language professionals working with AAC users felt that the previous title unintentionally excluded the full diversity of communication methods. Why AAC Apps Are Essential for Nonverbal Communication — especially among children and adults who rely on alternative devices — is a vital reminder of how expansive and individualized communication truly is.

What the New Name Signifies

Changing from BHSM to NSLHM marked a significant paradigm shift:

• It invites broader public engagement, especially from non-clinical audiences who may not identify with the term “speech” alone.
• It strengthens recognition of audiologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and other support professionals working across different domains.
• It modernizes the branding for advocacy in policy, education, and healthcare — making it more accessible and inclusive to families and professionals alike.

It’s also a timely move. As communication technologies evolve, the way we talk about speech and hearing needs to reflect current realities. For many children, including those using dynamic AAC systems, communication support doesn’t look like traditional speech therapy. It looks like personalization, software, and education.

That’s why initiatives like Choosing the Right Augmentative Communication Device for Your Child are such an important complement to broader awareness efforts — especially during this month of reflection and action.

The Importance of Communication Health

We often take communication for granted — until it becomes a challenge. Whether it’s a toddler not yet speaking, an adult recovering from a stroke, or a child struggling to be understood in school, communication health plays a central role in how we connect, learn, and thrive.

Why Communication Health Matters

Communication is more than words — it includes speech, language, hearing, understanding, and expression. It’s the foundation of emotional bonding, academic achievement, social inclusion, and independence.

When communication is disrupted, the effects ripple through every part of life:

• Children may fall behind academically if speech delays go unaddressed.
• Adults with hearing loss often experience social isolation and depression.
• Elderly individuals recovering from stroke may struggle with basic tasks or expressing needs.

Yet despite these wide-ranging impacts, communication disorders are often underdiagnosed or misunderstood, especially when they don’t “look” obvious from the outside.

“Many people think if a child isn’t talking, it’s just a phase — but it might be a red flag. Early intervention can make the difference between struggling in silence and thriving with support.”
— Dr. Susan Norwell, AAC specialist

How Common Are Communication Disorders?

You might be surprised by how widespread these issues are. In the United States:

• Nearly 8% of children aged 3–17 have had a communication disorder in the past year (NIDCD).
• Approximately 15% of adults report some trouble hearing (CDC).
• Around 1 million Americans are living with aphasia, often caused by stroke (National Aphasia Association).

Yet even with these high numbers, there remains a lack of awareness about what to look for and where to seek help.

This is particularly critical when it comes to identifying nonverbal or minimally verbal individuals — many of whom may benefit from assistive tools such as AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems. As explored in The AAC App Dilemma: Pay or Play Free?, accessibility and affordability are ongoing barriers that limit access to communication for thousands.

The Power of Early Intervention

The earlier a communication issue is identified, the better the outcomes. Research consistently shows that children who receive speech-language services before age 5 show stronger long-term progress than those who start later (ASHA).

Early intervention:

• Supports brain development during the most critical years.
• Reduces frustration and behavioral issues often linked to communication breakdowns.
• Helps parents and caregivers better understand and support their child’s needs.

Yet many families wait months — or years — before seeking help, often because of stigma, denial, or lack of information.

This is why National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is so vital: it creates space for real conversations, early screenings, and public education about what healthy communication looks like and when to seek support.

Celebrating National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Every May, individuals, schools, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups come together to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM). But celebration here goes far beyond just symbolic recognition — it’s about education, engagement, and outreach.

Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, a parent, a school district leader, or an advocate for communication equity, this month offers powerful opportunities to highlight communication challenges and champion solutions.

National and Local Events That Make a Difference

Each year, organizations across the country organize events that are as impactful as they are informative. These activities are often designed to be both public-facing and professionally enriching:

• Free hearing screenings at clinics and universities
• Workshops for parents and caregivers on spotting early signs of communication delays
• SLP- or audiologist-led classroom presentations
• School-wide assemblies or story hours with communication-focused themes
• Social media campaigns using hashtags like #NSLHM and #CommunicationMatters

For example, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides downloadable outreach kits, social graphics, and templates to make it easier for practitioners and educators to host events in their communities.

Additionally, states such as Texas, through TSHA, offer themed weekly initiatives like:

• Advocacy Week
• University & Research Recognition
• Pediatric Practice Awareness
• Bilingual & Multicultural Communication Focus

Each theme serves to educate not only the public, but also stakeholders in healthcare, public education, and policy.

Resources for Professionals and Families

ASHA and other advocacy groups have developed a wide range of ready-to-share materials for professionals, educators, and families. These include:

• Checklists for identifying red flags in early childhood development
• Handouts on hearing protection for children and teens
• Infographics on how communication disorders present differently across age groups
• Guides to accessing speech-language therapy or audiology services

You can find free resources for professionals here:
🔗 asha.org/national-speech-language-hearing-month

These tools are especially useful for amplifying underrepresented populations — such as multilingual learners, autistic children, and AAC users — whose needs are often misunderstood or deprioritized. Consider referencing tools from the article on Choosing the Right Augmentative Communication Device for Your Child to understand just how much personalization is required in this field.

Celebrating Through Storytelling

Another powerful way to participate in NSLHM is through storytelling — spotlighting real people navigating communication challenges.

Clinics, schools, and nonprofit organizations are increasingly using videos, podcasts, and blog platforms to share these voices:

• A teen with bilateral hearing loss speaking at her graduation
• A nonverbal child thriving with their AAC device in a general education classroom
• A stroke survivor regaining speech through intensive SLP therapy

These stories don’t just inspire — they educate, destigmatize, and mobilize support.

As shared in Why AAC Apps Are Essential for Nonverbal Communication, these narratives reveal just how much access and advocacy can change the entire trajectory of a person’s life.

The Role of Professionals in Communication Health

When someone has a communication disorder — whether it’s a toddler with speech delays, an adult with hearing loss, or a stroke survivor with aphasia — two types of professionals often step in to make a difference: speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

These experts don’t just help people “talk” or “hear” better. They help individuals connect with others, maintain independence, and participate fully in life.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

Speech-language pathologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of issues related to speech, language, social communication, cognition, and swallowing. SLPs work in diverse settings: schools, hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, and even in-home therapy.

Some of the conditions they address include:

• Delayed speech and language development
• Speech sound disorders (like apraxia or articulation issues)
• Stuttering and fluency disorders
• Voice disorders (e.g., vocal strain, nodules)
• Aphasia and other language impairments after brain injury
• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) — particularly in older adults or individuals post-surgery

SLPs also play a vital role in supporting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). For individuals who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, SLPs assess needs, recommend devices or systems, and teach individuals and caregivers how to use them effectively. As detailed in Why AAC Apps Are Essential for Nonverbal Communication, these tools can mean the difference between isolation and full participation in education and community life.

“The work of SLPs goes far beyond helping someone say a word correctly. It’s about building communication access, dignity, and autonomy.”
— American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Audiologists

Audiologists specialize in preventing, identifying, and managing hearing and balance disorders. These professionals are doctoral-level clinicians who often work in hospitals, ENT practices, private clinics, and educational settings.

They conduct advanced diagnostic testing to determine the degree and type of hearing loss and guide patients through treatment options such as:

• Hearing aids and cochlear implants
• Assistive listening devices
• Auditory training and therapy
• Hearing conservation education for those in high-noise environments (e.g., musicians, factory workers)

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect volume — it affects relationships, safety, and long-term health. Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and social withdrawal, particularly among older adults (NIH).

Audiologists work to mitigate these risks through individualized treatment plans that not only improve hearing but preserve connection and independence.

The Power of Collaboration

Often, SLPs and audiologists work together — especially in early intervention and pediatric settings. For instance, a child with a severe hearing loss may receive a cochlear implant through an audiologist and then work with an SLP to build listening and spoken language skills.

Both professionals also play key roles in advocating for accessibility in schools, public services, and digital technology — including things like captioning, voice recognition systems, and inclusive curriculum design.

In families considering high-tech tools, such as communication apps or AAC speech-generating devices, both roles often intersect. Choosing the right solution depends on ongoing assessment and coordination — a process explored in Choosing the Right Augmentative Communication Device for Your Child.

How You Can Make a Difference

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month isn’t just a time for professionals to speak — it’s a time for the public to listen, learn, and get involved. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development, an educator seeking to create a more inclusive classroom, or simply someone who believes in equity in healthcare and education, you can play a role.

Raise Awareness in Your Community

Start with conversation. Awareness grows when communication health is discussed openly and without stigma. Consider:

• Sharing personal stories or informative articles on your social media feed
• Inviting a local speech-language pathologist or audiologist to speak at a community event or PTA meeting
• Printing and posting flyers from resources like ASHA’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month Toolkit at your library, church, or local café

These actions may seem small, but they increase exposure and reduce misconceptions—especially about what communication disorders actually look like in real life.

Educate Yourself and Others on Communication Diversity

Learning about communication disorders is the first step. The next step is understanding how diverse communication really is. For example:

• Some children are nonverbal but highly expressive with a device
• Some people with hearing loss rely on lip reading and visual cues, not just hearing aids
• Others may communicate through sign language or text-based systems

Resources like Why AAC Apps Are Essential for Nonverbal Communication or The AAC App Dilemma: Pay or Play Free? shed light on these differences and help normalize the wide spectrum of how people express themselves.

Advocate for Better Access

Policies around education, healthcare, and insurance directly impact whether individuals can access speech or hearing services. You can advocate by:

• Contacting local representatives to support legislation for early intervention programs
• Asking your school district about their support services for speech-language and audiology needs
• Encouraging workplaces and public spaces to include captioning, quiet spaces, and hearing loop systems

Even encouraging others to have their hearing checked or asking your local school how they handle speech screenings is a form of advocacy.

Support Families and Professionals

If you know someone navigating a communication disorder—especially families of young children—offer support that’s grounded in listening and validation. Many families experience feelings of isolation or overwhelm while navigating diagnoses, assessments, or choosing communication tools.

Encourage connection by sharing accessible information like Choosing the Right Augmentative Communication Device for Your Child, or recommend local clinics and early intervention programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

1. What is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is a public awareness campaign held each May to highlight the importance of communication health. It focuses on raising awareness about speech, language, and hearing disorders and the professionals who diagnose and treat them, including speech-language pathologists and audiologists (ASHA).

2. Why was the name changed from Better Hearing and Speech Month?

The name changed in 2024 to better reflect the full range of communication health topics — including language development, hearing, speech disorders, and augmentative communication. The update promotes inclusivity and clarity across audiences (ASHA News).

3. What kinds of events take place during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

Common events include free hearing screenings, educational workshops, classroom activities, social media campaigns, and professional seminars. Many organizations use the month to launch outreach initiatives and share communication health resources with families and educators.

4. Who should participate in National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

Anyone can participate. Families, educators, healthcare providers, and community members are encouraged to learn, share, and advocate. The month is especially important for parents of young children, people experiencing communication difficulties, and professionals in speech and hearing fields.

5. How can I tell if my child might have a speech or language delay?

Some early signs of concern include not babbling by 12 months, having fewer than 50 words by age 2, or showing difficulty understanding simple instructions. If you’re unsure, a speech-language evaluation can help. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes (CDC Milestone Tracker).

Conclusion

Communication connects us — to each other, to opportunities, and to the world around us. For those facing speech, language, or hearing challenges, that connection can feel uncertain or out of reach. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month exists to change that.

By recognizing this month each May, we bring visibility to the challenges faced by millions — and to the life-changing work of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and advocates who are helping people find their voices every day.

This isn’t just a professional observance. It’s a public invitation — to learn, to listen, and to act. Whether you’re a parent looking for answers, a clinician supporting families, or a community member ready to spread awareness, you have a role to play in improving communication access and equity.

Because everyone deserves to be heard.