| The study of hearing, balance and related disorder is a | | | | or as challenging as cerebral palsy or other physical or |
| career opportunity that is growing rapidly, yet remains | | | | mental conditions. Stuttering and stammering fall under |
| largely untapped. | | | | "speech rhythm" difficulties that are also treated by |
| There are several related careers that may be | | | | SLPs. |
| grouped under the "audiology umbrella", so to speak. | | | | SLPs may meet with the patient in a clinic or at school. |
| Those include: | | | | Treatment may involve coaching or other "therapeutic" |
| AudiologistsSpeech-Language PathologistsSpeech, | | | | treatments, or even finding alternative means of |
| Language, and Hearing ScientistsAudiologists – | | | | communication such as American Sign Language. |
| Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing and Balance | | | | Treatment often includes working with other facets of |
| DisordersAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, | | | | a patient's condition, such as coordination, |
| "Audiologists work with people who have hearing, | | | | comprehension and focus. SLPs work closely with |
| balance, and related ear problems. They examine | | | | physicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in |
| individuals of all ages and identify those with the | | | | the patient's life. |
| symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance, | | | | Careers in Research and Development"Speech, |
| and related sensory and neural problems. They then | | | | Language and Hearing Scientists" is a rather broad |
| assess the nature and extent of the problems and | | | | term to indicate those of several specific professions |
| help the individuals manage them." (Bureau of Labor | | | | who research speech, language and hearing disorders, |
| Statistics, Dec 2007) | | | | and their causes, as well as those in scientific research |
| Audiologists work with specialized diagnostic | | | | to develop improved treatment options and cures. |
| equipment, and then develop treatment plans for the | | | | They "provide the research on which clinicians base |
| patient. They may work in a clinical setting or in the | | | | their methodology, speech, language and hearing" work. |
| field, independently or as part of a larger organization | | | | (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, |
| such as a hospital or school. Some may also work in | | | | 2009) These careers may include audiology, |
| researching hearing disorders and diseases or possible | | | | psychology, physiology, and more. The opportunities |
| treatments, while others may be in research and | | | | are as numerous as the ideas that generate them. |
| development of hearing aids and other treatment | | | | Most will be less involved in the continuing treatment |
| options. | | | | and counsel of individuals than they will in the research |
| Speech Therapists – Difficulties in Speech and | | | | of conditions and options. |
| SwallowingSpeech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), also | | | | To qualify for careers in audiology or speech-language |
| known as Speech Therapists, work directly with | | | | pathology, candidates need at least a Master's Degree, |
| hearing impaired or speech delayed children and adults. | | | | although trends indicate that doctorates are becoming |
| They "assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent | | | | more and more desirable. |
| disorders related to speech, language, | | | | Each of these careers is indicated by the Bureau of |
| cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and | | | | Labor Statistics and by the American |
| fluency" (ibid). Basically, where audiologists work with | | | | Speech-Language-Hearing Association for steady |
| hearing impairment and balance issues, | | | | growth, job security and better than average pay. |
| speech-language pathologists work with difficulties in | | | | Those considering careers in Audiology and related |
| speech and swallowing. | | | | fields need to research schools and locations for their |
| Speech difficulties may be as simple as a harsh voice | | | | best options. |