Media Releases

HANCOCK – The celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month is underway at Portage Health. The Portage Health Audiology Department and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are recognizing the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s 85th annual celebration.

“This is an important time for us each year as we try to make people aware of issues involved with speech and hearing,” said Elizabeth Martin, an SLP at Portage Health.

Portage Health is the Copper Country’s leader in speech therapy with three SLPs, and is home to the area’s most qualified staff of audiologists. Included on site in Hancock is the Upper Peninsula’s only certified Infant Diagnostic Audiology Center.

“We have technology that can drastically improve the life of someone who struggles with hearing, and our diagnostic center can be a vital link to a newborn’s future hearing,” said Melissa Collard, Aud, a Portage Health audiologist.

The audiologists spend a lot of time with adults as well, recommending adults of all ages come in for a checkup as soon as they realize they are having difficulty.

“There are hearing aids out there for every type and degree of hearing loss,” said Collard. “The technological advancements in hearing aids is incredible, and we’re happy to help you improve the quality of your life.”

Portage Health’s speech-language pathologists specialize in helping youth develop proper communications skills.

“Most issues can be improved with proper rehabilitation,” said Jane Anderson, a SLP who works with the CCISD. “We regularly get to see children improve their skills greatly, it’s a real blessing to be able to help them.”

The recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month at Portage Health began last week when experts from the University of Michigan Hospital visited and led a discussion on cochlear implants for our staff and interested community members.

Hearing Aid Battery Sale
The celebration is continuing with a sale on hearing aid batteries at the Portage Health Audiology Department. A 40 or 48 pack of batteries is just $20, down more than 40 percent from original price. To get a pack of batteries visit the department, which is located across the hallway from the Portage Health Emergency Department. The discounted batteries are available May 1 to May 31, while supplies last. More information on the batteries can be obtained at portagehealth.org/audiology or by calling 483-1455.