May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month

So, what is Better Hearing and Speech Month?

Better Hearing and Speech Month is a time to learn about communication disorders and when to seek treatment. These disorders are common in children as well as in adults—yet many don’t know that they are treatable by speech-language pathologists- also known as speech therapists.

What Do Speech Therapists Treat?

It may come as a surprise that speech therapists treat more than just childhood speech problems. The reality is that speech therapists work with individuals of all ages across settings, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even in homes. Speech therapists target improved communication by helping with spoken language and speech, but also listening, reading and writing skills. Speech therapists can also treat cognitive skills like memory, attention and problem solving. Believe it or not, speech therapists also work with individuals with voice problems, like chronic hoarseness, and swallowing disorders. At Adult Speech Therapy Services, we specialize in treating adults with brain-related speech, language, cognitive, voice and swallowing difficulties.

Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills

Even if you’ve never had difficulty communicating, preserving your communication and thinking skills is important. Our brains are responsible for these skills, so it’s important to keep your brain healthy! Here’s how:

Stay Hydrated

One of the easiest ways to improve your brain health, communication and thinking skills is to simply stay hydrated. If you’re thirsty you may already be mildly dehydrated. So, drink water before you’re thirsty!

Stop Multitasking

Did you know that research shows that when we multitask, each task is often completed less accurately and less efficiently? Multitasking also results in the buildup of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain. Try to just do one thing at a time, and complete each task without interruptions whenever possible.

Stay Active

You’ve heard the expression, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is true for our communication and cognitive functions too. Sometimes following retirement, adults don’t get as much cognitive stimulation as they need. To combat your brain becoming a “couch potato” keep it active by engaging in social activities that offer opportunities for communication, maintaining hobbies and even starting new ones.

When to Consult a Speech Therapist

If you notice a change in your communication or thinking skills, don’t wait to consult your doctor. While some changes in word-finding and memory can be part of normal aging, they can also be signs of bigger health problems. Even if you or a loved one have been living with communication or swallowing difficulties for some time, it’s not too late to seek help. Your doctor may refer you or your loved one to a speech-language pathologist to help improve your communication and thinking skills.

How Do I Seek Therapy?

Call us at 301-323-8486 today to schedule a free consultation, and take the first step to addressing your swallowing disorder, speech or voice concerns, or cognitive problems. Do you have Medicare and Medicaid? No problem! We accept both, as well as other insurances for which we are an out-of-network provider. Call us at 301-323-8486 today to schedule a free consultation.

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