May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

May 1, 2008

“Excuse me, could you repeat that?”

“I couldn't hear a word he said!”

“Uh, what was that, again?”

If any of those phrases are familiar to you or someone in your life, hearing loss may be the culprit, according to audiologist Teresa Kennalley, AuD, clinical assistant professor, University of Kansas Medical Center Hearing and Speech Department.

But there's no reason to “miss all the important sounds of life,” she said. “The majority of people with hearing loss benefit from treatment such as a hearing aid.” An estimated 31 million Americans have treatable hearing loss.

To help promote Better Hearing and Speech Month, the department will host an information table outside the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, when staff, students and volunteers may sign up for free hearing screenings. People can pick up some free earplugs, hearing aid information, magnets, and other fun items (while supplies last).

Kennalley is one of two audiologists in KUMC's Hearing and Speech Clinic on the fourth floor of the Miller Building. Hearing-related services offered include:

· Screenings and evaluations for adults – an annual checkup is recommended for those 45 and older

· Evaluations for children

· Screenings for newborns

· Evaluation and fitting for hearing aids

The Hearing and Speech Clinic also includes six speech-language pathologists who work with people born with speech or language disorders or affected after an injury or an illness such as a stroke. Some 14 million people nationwide have such disorders.

These services include:

· Diagnostic speech and language evaluation for adults and children

· Speech-language therapy for adults and children with communication disorders

“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped,” said Debby Daniels, PhD, clinical assistant professor, Hearing and Speech Department. She added that when problems can't be fully eliminated, clinicians can provide strategies to help people cope with speech or language issues that may have an impact on academic achievement, social adjustment, or career advancement.

eXtra: For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Hearing and Speech Clinic, call 8-5937 for speech-language services or 8-5730 for hearing evaluations.

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