Know the professionals: Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
2 min read
Dr Amulya P Rao
Mysuru: Everyone faces common health issues like fever, cold, cough, etc. During such health issues we visit a physician (doctor). If we have health issues related to a particular organ then we go to specialists such as cardiologist, pulmonologist, dentist, eye specialist etc.
Whom would you consult if you or any of your family members have the following problems?
- Hearing Impairment
- Vertigo (Giddiness)
- Tinnitus (Ringing sensation in ears)
- Speech and language developmental delay
- Stammering
- Voice problems
- Reading-writing problems (Learning Disability)
- Pronunciation problems
- Cleft lip and palate
- Swallowing problems
- Below average intelligence or mental ability (Intellectual Disability)
- Socialization and communication issues
- Loss of speech and language due to brain damage (Aphasia and other neurodegenerative disorders)
The above issues are assessed and rehabilitated by speech and hearing professionals namely AUDIOLOGISTS and SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS.
Audiologists are the professionals who test whether your hearing ability is within normal limits, tests and prescribes suitable hearing aids/cochlear implants, provide listening training for children with hearing loss, and provide assessment and management for individuals with giddiness (vertigo) and issues with balance.
On the other hand, Speech-Language Pathologists commonly known as Speech therapists are the professionals who evaluate and rehabilitate for any kind of speech, language and swallowing problems.
The Executive Council Members of Indian Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ISHA), Mysuru, suggest you to immediately visit the nearby audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists if you observe any of the above issues in your dear and near ones. If your problems are due to any medical issues, Audiologist and SLP will work closely with your physician and facilitate in improving your quality of life.
To know more about our profession and professionals, please visit www.ishaindia.org.in.
(The author is Research Associate, Indian Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ISHA), Mysuru.
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