Audiology is a branch of science that deals with hearing and hearing-related disorders. Students of Audiology are educated regarding the anatomy and physiology of the normal and abnormal auditory system.
They are trained in the identification & differential diagnosis of auditory disorders. These include disorders of the middle ear, inner ear, auditory nerve, and central auditory nervous system. With training, they develop
expertise in audiological rehabilitation, like a recommendation of amplification devices including hearing aids and cochlear implants. They also learn the assessment and management of individuals with tinnitus,
vestibular disorders, and auditory processing disorders.
Speech therapy usually begins with an assessment by an SLP who will identify the type of communication disorder and the best way to treat it.
Speech therapy for children For your child, speech therapy may take place in a classroom or small group, or one-on-one, depending on the speech disorder.
Speech therapy exercises and activities vary depending on your child’s disorder, age, and needs. During speech therapy for children, the SLP may:
● interact through talking and playing, and using books, pictures other objects as part of language intervention to help stimulate language development
● model correct sounds and syllables for a child during age-appropriate play to teach the child how to make certain sounds
● provide strategies and homework for the child and parent or caregiver on how to do speech therapy at home
● Speech therapy for adults
● Speech therapy for adults also begins with an assessment to determine your needs and the best treatment. Speech therapy exercises for adults can help you with speech, language, and cognitive communication.
Therapy may also include retraining of swallowing function if an injury or medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or oral cancer has caused swallowing difficulties.
Speech and Language Pathology deals with the normal and abnormal aspects of voice, speech, language, and swallowing. Students of Speech-Language Pathology are trained in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of speech and language disorders, which includes voice disorders, speech sound disorder, stuttering, speech and language problems associated with hearing impairment, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, autism spectrum disorders, oral and laryngeal cancers, stroke/ paralysis, and learning disorders.