The Dearborn County Hospital Speech Therapy Department is celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month this May.

Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has recognized Better Hearing and Speech Month to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans.

Speech and language disorders take many forms and can limit academic achievement, social adjustment and career advancement. An individual may be born with a speech or language disorder, or it may be caused by traumatic brain injury or by illness such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped,” stated Lissa Dillon, M.A., CCC, DCH Speech-Language Pathologist. “Even if the problem cannot be totally eliminated, we can teach people with speech and language problems various strategies to improve their communication.  Individuals may not fully regain their capacity to speak and understand, but a Speech-Language Pathologist can help them live more independently and improve their quality of life.”

Speech-Language Pathologists are professionals who treat all types of speech, language, swallowing and cognitive disorders such as memory impairment. They hold at least a master’s degree and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  Speech-Language Pathologists work in schools, private practice, hospitals, clinics and other health and education settings.

Dearborn County Hospital is staffed with three licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologists: Mrs. Dillon; Sarah McMullen, M.S., CCC-SLP; and Lori Schroeder, M.S., CCC-SLP.  They provide extensive evaluations and develop appropriate treatment plans to maximize communication and assist with swallowing.  A physician’s referral is required to make an appointment.

For more information, please contact the DCH Speech Therapy Department at (812) 537-8208 or (800) 676-5572, ext 8208.