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May 6, 2003

Better hearing, speech month celebrated

From: Billings Gazette, MT  - May 6, 2003

HELENA -- An estimated 28 million Americans have hearing loss that can be treated. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, and Montana Relay, the telecommunications service for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired, wants to increase awareness of speech, language, and hearing disorders and to highlight the many forms of assistive devices available to help people communicate effectively, easily and inexpensively.

Better Hearing and Speech Month is a good time to assess hearing and seek help if required.

An annual hearing checkup is a good idea for people ages 45 and up, according to audiologists.

People seldom discuss speech problems, but speech, voice, and language disorders are serious, treatable conditions that affect 14 million Americans.

Throughout May and year-round, Montana Relay provides the up-to-date technologies that enable the deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired to communicate via the telephone.

For more information, contact Montana Relay's customer service center toll free: 1-866-RELAY-MT or visit www.montanarelay.org .

Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises .