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Language is our most human characteristic. It is essential to learning, working, and enjoying family life and friendships. There are many ways to express language. Speaking, using sign language, writing, and using computerized communication devices are some of the most common ones. The professionals who are educated to assess speech and language development and to treat language and speech disorders are speech-language pathologists (sometimes informally referred to as speech therapists). Speech-language pathologists can also help people with swallowing disorders.
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Hearing and balance can be assessed by an audiologist, and disorders treated and rehabilitated. Audiologists also select, fit, and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids, and they prevent hearing loss through providing and fitting protective devices, consultation on the effects of noise on hearing, and consumer education. Audiologists also do research on hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance system dysfunction, and they can serve as expert witnesses in litigation related to their areas of expertise.
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