Every voice is unique and is a part of how we define ourselves. It is our source of communication, making it a vital part of our everday lives. The Speech Department and Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic knows how important it is for people to protect their voices in everyday situations, so we’ve provided a few tips on voice care to help everyone be more aware of the ways we can preserve our voices.
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Drink plenty of water—well-hydrated tissue is less prone to damage.
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Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption—both are dehydrating.
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Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
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Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, fumes and dust.
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If you have frequent reflux (heartburn), see a physician promptly, to avoid potential vocal cord damage.
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Avoid yelling and screaming—such as at sports games.
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Avoid straining your voice by talking excessively to overcome background noise.
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Take frequent voice breaks if your job demands long periods of speaking.
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If you speak to groups and have to project your voice, use a microphone.
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Minimize frequent throat clearing.
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If an upper respiratory infection has made your voice hoarse, limit talking.
We had a great showing at the first Eastside Stuttering Support Group’s Summer Picnic. Even the unexpected rain showers didn’t keep the 13 guests from showing up for delicious food, game playing (our personal favorite here at the clinic…Apples to Apples), and as always great company and conversation!
Here are some photos of this week’s (rainy) Summer Picnic!
Hearing loss can be gradual and difficult to recognize. Over time, we begin to forget how things really sound, and begin to live in a quieter world. When hearing loss is left untreated it can lead to numerous social and psychological problems, such as isolation and withdrawal.
Scheduling regular hearing check-ups is as important as having your yearly physical exam. Below is a list of symptoms (from the American Speech and Hearing Association) to keep any eye on that will help you identify if you or a loved one has a hearing loss.
For adults
- You frequently complain that people mumble, speech is not clear, or you hear only parts of conversations when people are talking.
- You often ask people to repeat what they said.
- Your friends or relatives tell you that you don’t seem to hear very well.
- You do not laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story.
- You need to ask others about the details of a meeting that you just attended.
- Others say that you play the TV or radio too loudly.
- You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.
- You find that looking at people when they talk to you makes it somewhat easier to understand, especially when you’re in a noisy place or where there are competing conversations.
For children
- Your child is inconsistently responding to sound
- Language and speech development is delayed
- Speech is unclear.
- Sound is turned up on electronic equipment (radio, TV, cd player, etc.)
- Your child does not follow directions
- Your child often says “Huh?”
- Your child does not respond when called.
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Don’t hesitate to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions about your hearing health.
This August will be our 8 month anniversary of hosting the National Stuttering Associations Eastside Stuttering Support Group. In order to celebrate all of the groups success, and the end of summer, we will be having a picnic celebration tomorrow (Wednesday, August 20th), at one of our members houses. If you would like to join in the fun please email me (Jody) at info@everhear.com or call our offices at 425.882.4347 so we can make sure to have enough food.
All are welcome to this great celebration of summer and support for stuttering.
If you can’t make it to this event, but would like to learn more about joining the Eastside Stuttering Support Group, visit our information page online.
Last week we were one of the proud sponsors of the Association for Women In Communications Putting Challenge, a fundraiser for college scholarships. Over the past 10 years, the event has awarded nearly $50,000 to communications students at colleges in Washington state.
Clinic Director Ruth Norwood next to the hole sponsored by ESHC
The years’ event was held at the Newcastle Golf Club at the Rusty Putter Course and was host to over 50 attendees putting their way to victory. Over $3000 was earned to fund academic and professional development scholarships. I had the privilege of being on the planning committee for this fantastic event, and was so proud to see so many people come out to support the communication arts. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of AWC and the scholarship fund.