Communication Sciences and Disorders

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Why study Communication Sciences and Disorders?

Speech-language pathologists are involved in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of persons with communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat patients who have speech, language, voice, fluency, or oral motor disorders. They also assist people who wish to improve their communication skills through changes in vocal pitch, quality, or accent. Speech-language pathologists utilize special instruments and tests to develop individualized treatment plans for patients. Also, they counsel and refer clients to other professionals, teach, conduct research, and administer programs in speech-language pathology. The profession provides the opportunity to work in a variety of work settings including schools, community centers, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

Audiologists are involved with people who have hearing, balance, and related ear problems. They examine individuals of all ages and identify those with the symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance, and related sensory and neural problems. They then assess the nature and extent of the problems and help the individuals manage them. Using audiometers, computers, and other testing devices, they measure the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds, the ability to distinguish between sounds, and the impact of hearing loss on an individual's daily life. In addition, audiologists use computer equipment to evaluate and diagnose balance disorders. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate them with medical, educational, and psychological information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.