Watson Coleman: “Every day, more than 1.2 million children will struggle to hear their teacher's voice. Every day, more than 26 million…”

“Every day, more than 1.2 million children will struggle to hear their teacher's voice. Every day, more than 26 million adults will miss important pieces of conversations. Every day, more than 10 million older Americans will consider early retirement in the face of hearing loss. Mr. President, hearing is not an accessory, but a necessity--a necessity to success in school, business, and life. In recognition of the importance of hearing, I have introduced this resolution. This resolution recognizes May as ``National Better Hearing and Speech Month,'' and transforms its ideals into action by encouraging all Americans to have their hearing checked regularly and to seek treatment for hearing loss. Despite the necessity of hearing to success, one third of all newborns leave the hospital without having their hearing tested. As a result, thirty-three babies are born each day with hearing loss, making deafness the most common birth defect in America. Mr. President, it doesn't have to be like this. Study after study has shown that through regular testing and early treatment, hearing loss can be prevented not only in infants, but in adults as well. This resolution can take the first step in preventing hearing loss. Early prevention and treatment is the key to preventing future hearing loss, but we must also care for the 28 million Americans currently suffering from deafness. Today, 95 percent of individuals with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids.”