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Speech pathologists and audiologists specialize in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, and hearing problems.

Speech Pathology and Audiology are areas of endeavor which have developed out of concern for people with speech and hearing disorders. Audiologists and Speech­Language Pathologists, or speech therapists, as they have formerly been called, devote themselves to helping both children and adults overcome speech and hearing problems.

Because speech and hearing are so interrelated, Speech Pathologists and Audiologists work closely with each other, as well as with other professionals and as consultants to educational, medical and other professional groups.

Speech Pathologists primarily specialize in helping people with problems of speech, language and voice disorders. They primarily diagnose and evaluate the individual's speech and language ability, then plan, direct and conduct a treatment program to restore or develop patient's communication skills.

Audiologists concentrate on individuals with hearing problems ­ they assess the type and degree of hearing impairment, then plan, direct and conduct aural rehabilitation and training programs.

Speech Pathologists and Audiologists may advance to administrative or supervisory positions such as clinic director or coordinator of clinical services. They may also become professors or department heads in colleges or universities, or choose to engage in research activities. Professional mobility is generally based on experience, skills, and level of education.

A person entering this work must have academic ability and intellectual curiosity. One must have an interest in people and the ability to approach problems with a scientific attitude. Another requirement is the ability to become involved with patients without letting them develop an unhealthy dependence.