Health Career: Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist
Who are speech-language pathologists and audiologists and what do they do?
Speech-language pathologists work with people who have trouble speaking clearly or cannot make speech sounds. They also help people with oral (mouth-related) disabilities that prevent them from eating or swallowing without difficulty. Audiologists assist people with hearing disorders or those who cannot easily understand spoken language. Both speech-language pathologists and audiologists work closely with patients in helping them to develop and improve their speaking and hearing abilities.
How do speech-language pathologists and audiologists typically spend their workday?
As a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you will likely work in a hospital, school, health clinic, rehabilitation center or for a nursing home or community health agency. You will work closely with other health professionals such as physicians, social workers, psychologists and therapists to share information and develop treatment plans for patients. Primarily, you will work directly with patients in helping them to develop and improve their communication and hearing skills. For example, you may help a child with Down's Syndrome learn to make understandable speech sounds or to understand spoken language, or you may help an elderly person with throat cancer learn how to speak clearly after having surgery.
What does it take to be a good speech-language pathologist or audiologist?
If you have a strong interest in learning about and promoting human language and helping others, you would make a great speech-language pathologist or audiologist. It is also helpful to be patient, curious and compassionate.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist?
Recreational therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist.
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