Those of us who work with words on a daily basis – in the media, for example – should be especially appreciative of our abilities and talents this month. May is Better Speech and Hearing Month and without the communication skills we have learned, we would not be able to speak to members of the public or have them understand us.

One in six Americans has a hearing, speech or language problem – a condition that makes it difficult to communicate with others. Those with such a problem have to work every day just to express their needs, wants and ideas.

Untreated, these problems can limit you at home, school and work. Anyone, of any age, can have or develop an impairment of the ability to hear, speak or understand effectively.

Young children can have a language delay that limits early learning and affects their performance later in school. Older people can experience aphasia following a stroke, a condition that leaves them unable to express their thoughts. People of all ages can stutter or have problems with their voice.

Speech and language problems are serious. They isolate us from other people and frustrate our efforts to learn and grow. They affect the way we work, live and socialize. In a world of quick information and overwhelming media, nobody has to accept a speech or language problem. Proper treatment can eliminate or minimize its impact.

Since its inception in 1961, the Warren Center for Communications and Learning has been helping people communicate. Our speech-language pathologists and audiologists work with 200 to 300 clients each week in the Warren Center at 175 Union St., and work with many others in area schools, preschools, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Helping people become better prepared to interact with the world is what we do.

For the rest of the month, when you speak and someone understands what you’ve said, or when you’re rereading the article you’ve just written, be thankful for your abilities – and remember those who have to work harder to understand and communicate with you.

If you or someone you care about has a problem speaking or understanding, find out if the cause is a speech or language disorder. Treatment to eliminate or minimize communication problems is available.

To have your questions about speech and communication answered, consult a speech-language pathologist this May, Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Monique Gibouleau is the public relations manager for the Warren Center for Communications and Learning. For more information, call 941-2850; TTY 941-2833; or e-mail wcfcl@infi.net.