May is Speech, Language, and Hearing Month. It may not make big headlines, but it shines a light on something essential: our need to talk, listen, and be understood.
For most of us, communication comes naturally. But for millions of people, these everyday acts are anything but easy.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s something you might not know. The World Health Organization reports that over 430 million people worldwide have significant hearing loss. That includes 34 million children. And by 2050, that number is expected to rise to 700 million — nearly one in every ten people.
For children, the impact is far-reaching. Hearing loss doesn’t just mean missed sounds. It can delay speech, make learning harder, and lead to social isolation. Children with untreated hearing loss often fall behind in school, struggle with literacy, and face challenges making friends.
In the United States alone, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association estimates that one in twelve children has a speech or language disorder. These challenges can be linked to developmental differences, hearing issues, or conditions like autism.
But here’s the hopeful part: with early support, so much can improve.
Why Early Help Is So Important
The first few years of life are a critical period for language development. A young child’s brain is incredibly adaptable. With the right support early on, it’s possible to strengthen or even reshape how the brain processes speech and language.
Research shows that children who receive intervention before the age of three are much more likely to catch up with their peers than those who start later.
So why do some children still miss out on early help?
Sometimes, parents hope their child will simply grow out of it.
Sometimes, the signs are hard to notice. A child might not make eye contact. Or maybe they don’t babble much. Or they don’t always respond when their name is called.
And in many communities, access to specialists like speech therapists is limited. There might be long waiting lists or not enough professionals nearby.
That’s why Speech, Language, and Hearing Month is so important. They help raise awareness, encourage screening, and remind parents and caregivers that early action really does matter.
How Communication Challenges Affect Everything
Children with language difficulties often struggle with reading and writing. They may get frustrated when others don’t understand them. That frustration can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawing from others.
Parents may feel helpless or unsure how to connect with their child. That uncertainty can bring stress into the home.
But the good news is that when kids get support early, they can thrive. In school. In friendships. In life.
How Enara Supports Speech and Language Development
At Enara, we’ve designed AI-powered games and activities in English and Arabic that help children practice speech skills through interactive play.
These games come with friendly chatbots that help children learn essential words. A visual pops up and points to, say, a nose or an ear, and the child is encouraged to say the word out loud. The AI listens and recognizes their speech. If they say it correctly, a burst of confetti appears on the screen to cheer them on and keep them motivated.
Each game is carefully designed to support a specific speech goal. Parents also get easy-to-follow video guides so they can support their child during the activity and understand exactly how each activity helps.
Whether it’s building speech skills, encouraging gestures, or improving focus, Enara is there to help children stay on track, no matter where they are.
If you’re a parent or therapist supporting a neurodiverse child, check out Enara now. It makes tracking progress easy, keeps the child engaged in learning, and helps boost their communication skills.
Because Enara believes every child deserves a chance to be heard.
And every parent deserves tools that help them bring out their child’s voice.
