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May is a time to shine a spotlight on critical aspects of a child’s development: hearing, speech, and vision.
The Birth Injury Justice Center is proud to recognize Better Speech and Hearing Month and Healthy Vision Month. These important observances raise awareness about conditions that can affect babies and children, especially those impacted by birth injuries.
Children with birth injuries may be at a higher risk for challenges with speech, hearing, or vision. By spreading awareness and encouraging early screenings and interventions, we can help families get the support they need.
This month is a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, access to therapy, and advocacy for children’s long-term health and quality of life. Find out more and learn how you can help your child.
What Is Better Speech and Hearing Month?
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about communication disorders and promote early intervention and treatment.
Established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this national campaign highlights the vital role speech-language pathologists and audiologists play in helping children and adults overcome challenges related to speech, language, and hearing.
Speech and hearing issues are common for children affected by birth injuries. Conditions like cerebral palsy, auditory processing disorders, or brain damage can delay a child’s ability to speak, understand language, or hear clearly.
“One 3 in 1,000 babies has some degree of hearing loss that can be identified at birth.”
– UNC Health
Recognizing these signs early and accessing therapy can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Better Speech and Hearing Month 2025 encourages parents, caregivers, and health professionals to learn the signs of communication disorders. If concerns arise, early evaluation and support can make a meaningful difference.
It’s also a time to celebrate the progress many children make with the help of speech and hearing specialists.
What Is Healthy Vision Month?
May is Healthy Vision Month. Led by the National Eye Institute (NEI), this initiative is dedicated to promoting eye health and encouraging people of all ages to prioritize their vision care.
The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of:
- Early detection of vision problems
- Protective eye habits
- Routine eye exams
For children affected by birth injuries, vision issues like optic nerve damage can impact their ability to see clearly, track movement, or process visual information.
“Vision screenings by your pediatrician are an important way to identify problems with your child’s eyesight. Problems that are found early have a better chance of being treated successfully.”
– American Academy of Pediatrics
Healthy Vision Month 2025 encourages families and caregivers to be proactive about their child’s eye health. Early screenings and treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s visual development and overall learning ability.
Why Communication and Vision Health Matter for Children With Birth Injuries
For children who have suffered a birth injury, strong communication and vision health are essential parts of their overall development and quality of life.
Birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or nerve damage can affect the parts of the brain or body responsible for speech, hearing, and sight.
Hearing or vision problems can affect key areas of a child’s development, including:
- Communicating through speech
- Recognizing faces
- Responding to auditory or visual cues
- Understanding language
These skills are essential for learning, building relationships, and navigating the world.
Left unaddressed, these developmental delays may lead to difficulties in school, frustration in daily life, and emotional struggles for both the child and their family.
That’s why early detection and therapy are key. Better Hearing and Speech Month and Healthy Vision Month serve as important reminders for families to monitor their child’s development and seek professional support if something doesn’t seem right.
The earlier a child receives the care they need, the greater their chances of reaching their full potential.
With registered nurses on staff, our team is here to answer questions about what may be causing your child’s hearing, speech, or vision problems and explain your legal options if they’re linked to a birth injury.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see how we can help.
How Families Can Support Their Child’s Hearing, Speech, and Vision Development
If your child is living with a birth injury that affects their speech, hearing, or vision, there are many ways you can support their development and help them thrive.
1. Get Regular Screenings
Routine hearing and vision tests can catch issues early, even before symptoms are noticeable. Early intervention can make a big difference in a child’s ability to communicate and learn.
2. Work With Specialists
Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, and pediatric ophthalmologists are all trained to help children overcome challenges related to communication and sensory development. Building a care team tailored to your child’s needs is essential.
3. Practice at Home
Simple, consistent activities at home — like reading aloud, using sign language, playing with sound-making toys, or using flashcards — can reinforce the skills your child is learning in therapy and foster connection.
4. Advocate for Your Child
You are your child’s best advocate. Ask questions, seek second opinions, and push for the services and accommodations your child needs in school and health care settings.
5. Celebrate Progress
Every milestone matters, no matter how small. Encouraging your child, recognizing their achievements, and staying positive can boost their confidence and motivation.
By taking a proactive role and tapping into available birth injury resources, families can help their child navigate speech, hearing, and vision challenges with confidence and care.
Get Help With Speech, Hearing & Vision Care Costs
Caring for a child with speech, hearing, or vision challenges can be emotionally and financially overwhelming.
Therapies, assistive devices, and specialist appointments often come at a high cost, and these expenses can add up quickly, especially when they’re needed long-term.
If your child’s condition was caused by a birth injury, you may be entitled to financial support that can help cover treatment and secure your family’s future.
A birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation your child deserves.
Find out if we may be able to help your family by contacting us at (800) 914-1562 right now or getting a free case review.
