Studies show that hearing loss, Auditory Processing Disorders (APD), and other communication disorders frequently coexist with ADHD and other cognitive disorders. What's more, children struggling with undiagnosed hearing loss and/or APD often exhibit similar behavior characteristics as those with ADHD. When left unaddressed, both ADHD and hearing health issues can jeopardize a child's academic performance, social development, and self esteem.
BHI strongly encourages hearing health professionals to join us in ensuring that parents and educators get the information they need to help America's youth overcome ADHD and any co-existing hearing health issues. By promoting ADHD Awareness Week, we will underscore the importance of ruling out hearing loss and APD when making a careful and accurate ADHD diagnosis. And we will encourage appropriate treatment by a hearing health professional, when hearing loss and/or APD co-exist with ADHD.
There are a number of ways you can join in the effort:
- Disseminate information on ADHD, including BHI's backgrounder on ADHD and hearing health.
- Issue BHI's press release customized for your practice.
- Send information through listservs.
- Hang posters in prominent locations such as your office, library, local mall, or church.
To download the BHI ADHD media kit (local press release, ADHD backgrounder) visit www.betterhearing.org/professionals/public_relations_campaigns.cfm under CY2011 ADHD Campaign
