Hearing loss is the most frequently diagnosed birth defect. According to Cynthia Robinson, Co-Director of the Jacksonville Campus of the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, 33% of children in Florida do not receive follow-up hearing screenings after initial ones when they're newborns.
"Hearing loss is very devastating educationally," Robinson says. "The most important thing is to get the community awareness out there that children who are born deaf or hard of hearing can, with modern technology and appropriate intervention, learn to listen and talk like hearing children do."
Robinson says it's important to spotlight the problem because hearing loss can lead to depression, isolation and issues in school. There are many events throughout the month that provide opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and promote treatment to those who have problems with speech, understanding or hearing.
The Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech is hosting a book fair Sunday, May 5, at the Barnes & Noble at the St. John's Town Center from 1:00-3:00 pm. It will have two deaf children reading a book aloud, crafts and the Jacksonville Zoo will also be there. Check out clarkeschools.org for more information.
The Speech and Hearing Center will be hosting it's annual Champions Luncheon May 8 at St. John's Cathedral. For more information call (904) 355-3403 or visit their website at www.shcjax.org.