Better Speech and Hearing Month

Dear Colleagues,

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has declared May  “Better Speech and Hearing Month.”  This annual event provides opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing. I have put together some tips to help you use your best speech and hearing both in and out of the classroom.  Since the field of speech and hearing is so vast I decided to focus on two areas that I felt would help you most – voice and hearing.

VOICE

Your voice is the sound source for speech.  As teachers we are

‘Professional’ voice users and therefore at risk for voice problems.  We all know what it is like to try to teach when you have lost your voice.  Here are some tips to help you maintain good vocal hygiene and avoid vocal misuse and abuse.

1.     Hydrate

Vocal folds vibrate best when they are moist.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Avoid substances that can be dehydrating such as antihistamines, decongestants, aspirin, ibuprofen (use only Tylenol), peppermint or mint, caffeine and alcohol.  Try gargling with a solution of baking soda, warm water and honey.

2.     Avoid yelling, screaming, or shouting over noise

Sit in close proximity to your students, ring a bell, clap or turn off the lights instead of raising your voice.  If you must raise your voice, take a deep breath and use your diaphragm as the power source instead of your throat.

3.     Avoid repeated throat clearing

This just irritates your throat and creates the need for more throat clearing.  Instead swallow, produce a gentle /h/ sound or drink water.

4.     Avoid vocal competition with loud background noise

When in a loud environment, stop your conversation until the noise passes.  Planes, trains, music, TV or loud conversation can all create competing noise.

HEARING

We learn language by hearing language in our environment.  As we get older our hearing deteriorates but there are also environmental factors that can damage your hearing as well.  Once damage is done, it can not be reversed.

1.    Do not listen to your headphones at an intense level

Many of us use our ipods on a daily basis.  We may even raise the volume when background noise increases.  Even though it may not seem like the music is too loud sometimes we raise the volume to a dangerous level to block out background noise.  Instead, set your volume to a comfortable level when leaving the house and try not to increase it throughout the day.

2.    Protect your ears on the train

As we wait for subway and another train barrels by the noise can be excruciating.  If it is painful, then it is likely damaging your ears.  Cover your ears or wear earplugs when riding and waiting for the train.

3.    Protect your ears when at a concert

The volume of music at a concert can be extremely damaging.  Try to avoid standing near the speaker or in the very front.  I know this sounds strange but I wear earplugs!  You know the ringing in your ears the next day? That is irreversible damage.  Each time you do this it gets worse!

I hope these tips are helpful.  If you really feel like you may have a voice or hearing problem come see us and we can recommend a voice therapist or an audiologist that can assess the problem.

Happy Better Speech and Hearing Month!!!