LETTER: Treatment can correct speech, hearing disorders

From Ed VanDerHeiden
Audiologist, SW/WC Service Cooperatives, Marshall

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. Since 1927, audiologists and speech-language pathologists — the professionals who specialize in the identification and treatment of communication disorders — have made a special effort during May to inform people about hearing and speech disorders.
Statistics show that one in 10 families are affected by a communication disorder. One in six children has a speech, hearing or language problem — a condition that makes it difficult to communicate with others. With proper treatment, most people with communication disorders can lead full and productive lives.
Unfortunately, many people with communication disorders are unaware that the treatment to remedy or minimize the impact of their condition is available. Our goal as professionals is to educate the public that help is available.
If you have questions, or suspect that you or someone you know has a communication disorder, please contact SW/WC Service Cooperatives at (507)537-2269. The audiology services provided by SW/WC Service Cooperatives are free of charge to any child (birth to age 21) in southwest and west central Minnesota. Treatment to minimize communication disorders is available.