Better Hearing and Speech

Better Hearing and Speech Month is coming up in May, and Portage Health in Hancock is getting a head start on bringing awareness to the issue.

Two audiologists from the University of Michigan visited the Copper Country today from Ann Arbor to speak with caregivers about working with children with a cochlear implant.

Audiologist Heidi Slager says cochlear implants have experienced many technological changes in recent years to the point where they now often provide much better outcomes than hearing aids.

Early detection of hearing and speech problems can go a long way into treating a child.

Speech and language pathologist Kelly Starr says there are several red flags you can look for, such as a child not being startled by very loud sounds, having trouble following instructions unless those instructions are accompanied by body language and gestures, and making articulation or speech errors.

As part of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Portage Health will be selling hearing aid batteries for 40% off.

Posted by: Mike Hoey