May is celebrated as Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) in the United States. This month-long awareness campaign is intended to educate the public about speech and hearing disorders, promote prevention, and encourage individuals to seek treatment.
Communication is an essential part of our daily lives, and it can be a challenge for individuals who have speech or hearing difficulties. BHSM is an excellent opportunity to spread awareness and bust some common myths about speech therapy.
Myth #1: Speech Therapy is Only for Children
Speech therapy can benefit people of all ages, from infants to older adults. Adults can benefit from speech therapy to improve communication skills, and cognitive function. Speech impairment can also affect adults as a consequence of other medical conditions.
Myth #2: Speech Therapy is Only for Those with Speech Disorders
Speech therapy is not limited to treating speech disorders. It can also help individuals with language disorders, swallowing disorders, and cognitive-communication disorders. These disorders can arise due to various reasons, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia.
Myth #3: Speech Therapy is a Quick Fix
Speech therapy is not a quick fix. The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disorder and the individual’s response to treatment. Some individuals may require a few months of therapy, while others may require therapy for several years.
Myth #4: It’s Difficult to Find Speech Therapy Providers
GBS is proud to announce that we now provide Speech Therapy services at our West Long Branch clinic. Our team of licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups, from infants to adults, in diverse settings such as clinics, schools, and hospitals. They offer customized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs following a comprehensive assessment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing communication difficulties, seeking the help of a licensed speech-language pathologist can make a significant difference in improving overall quality of life.
