May is Speech & Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of communication health and the essential work of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

This year’s theme is S-LPs & audiologists: Doing more than you think. We’re shining a spotlight on the broad scope of practice of our professions and the many ways they improve lives every day.

We’ve developed five new posters that showcase the diverse roles of S-LPs and audiologists – from supporting communication at the end of life to helping individuals manage tinnitus and regain language skills after brain injury.

Want to get involved? Download our Speech & Hearing Month toolkit, which includes social media shareables, posters, and tips to help you spread the word.

Access the toolkit and posters here.

Let’s work together to make communication a priority for all.

This article originally appeared in La Scena Musicale on March 31, 2025.

Communication is more than just words, it is the foundation of human connection and self-expression. For musicians, singers, and music lovers, it’s also an essential tool of their craft. It’s the ability to hear a loved one’s voice or enjoy a favourite melody. It allows grandparents to delight in their grandchild’s laughter, a child to thrive in school, and musicians to protect their hearing for a long-lasting career. Yet, when communication, swallowing, or balance challenges arise, they can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

That’s where speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) and audiologists come in. These highly trained, regulated health professionals help people of all ages overcome barriers to communication, hearing, balance and swallowing, often in ways that go far beyond what many expect. S-LPs and audiologists work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, private clinics, research institutions, and long-term-care homes. They are key members of health-care and education teams, providing evidence-informed care that supports individuals at every stage of life. An S-LP has the knowledge, training, and scope of practice to:

• help stroke survivors regain their ability to speak and swallow;
• support individuals wanting to modify their voice and communication to align with their gender identity and expression; and
• educate family members on how to effectively communicate with a loved one who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

An audiologist has the knowledge, training and scope of practice to:

• provide custom hearing protection for musicians, workers, and athletes;
• educate patients and family members on optimizing music listening when experiencing hearing loss; and
• assist those with tinnitus in developing strategies to manage their condition.

Many people do not realize the full scope of practice of these professions. When thinking of S-L-Ps, one may assume they only help children with speech difficulties or that audiologists only fit hearing aids for seniors. However, their work extends far beyond these common perceptions. Whether it’s helping a singer recover from vocal fatigue, fitting a musician with custom hearing protection, or supporting a grandparent in hearing a grandchild’s laughter, S-LPs and audiologists make a lasting impact on the lives of those they work with.

This year, both the City of Saskatoon and the City of Regina have issued official proclamations recognizing May as Speech & Hearing Month!

The following was submitted to be read at City Council meetings:

“Each year, Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) dedicates the month of May to raising public awareness about communication health. We work to highlight the importance of early detection and intervention of communication and swallowing disorders and the role that our members and associates play in assessing and treating them.

Communication and swallowing disorders are among the most common conditions across the lifespan and are not readily visible from the outside. Left untreated, these disorders can negatively impact a person’s academic, social, and career success—as well as their overall health and quality of life.

With early intervention and treatment, communication and swallowing disorders can be reversed or even prevented. However, treatment at any age or any stage can make a positive impact.

Therefore, I am pleased to join with the citizens of Saskatoon/Regina in recognizing May as Speech and Hearing Month. I salute the audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and communication health assistants in our community who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of their clients, patients, and students.”