Communication problems can have an enormous impact on a person's life. Whether a child or an adult, problems with hearing or speech can affect our self-esteem, our ability to interact freely with others, or our ability to be successful in work or in school. Youngstown Hearing & Speech Center is committed to educating the public about how to recognize and treat hearing loss and speech/language problems.

Speech and hearing screenings are done at community health fairs, childcare centers, and at YHSC. Contact the Center to arrange screenings for your group.

Group presentations are given to Social, Educational, Business and Special Interest Groups. Topics include:

Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids:
As people age, it is common to begin to lose some hearing, especially if the person has been exposed to noise over the years. It is often family and friends who are the first to notice the hearing loss. Most people are at loss in knowing they are getting a thorough test and how to purchase the right hearing aid for their particular hearing loss. This presentation explains signs of hearing loss, how to understand the audiogram and the different types of hearing aids available. Other devices such as TTYs (telephone for the hearing impaired) can be demonstrated.

Speech and Hearing Problems In Children
What should children be understanding at various ages? How do parents know if a child is experiencing hearing loss? Parents and caregivers need to know if this information, because it is so important to get help while the child is still young. Also included in this presentation are things parents can do to a stimulate language developing in young children. This program is tailored for parent groups and childcare providers.

What does it mean to be Deaf?
How does a Deaf child learn? How does a Deaf person wake up, know someone is at the door, or use the telephone? A Deaf person who shares his/her personal experiences presents this information. This presentation is especially well received by children's groups.

A Taste of American Sign Language and Finger Spelling:
The manual alphabet and a few signs are taught to give the audience an idea of how to sign language is used. Signs can be tailored to the interest of the group and can include short songs.

All programs are free of charge and can be customized to the interests of your group.

Contact Crissi Jenkins at cjenkins@yohsc.com or the Youngstown Hearing & Speech Center for additional information or to schedule a presentation for your group.