The practice of speech-language pathology includes:

• screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, rehabilitating, and preventing disorders of speech (e.g., articulation, fluency, voice) and language (ASHA, 1983, 1989);

• screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, and rehabilitating disorders of oral-pharyngeal function (e.g., dysphagia) and related disorders;

• screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, and rehabilitating cognitive/communication disorders;

• assessing, selecting and developing augmentative and alternative communication systems, and providing training in their use;

• providing aural rehabilitation and related counseling services to hearing impaired individuals and their families;

• enhancing speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness (e.g., accent reduction); and

• screening of hearing and other factors for the purpose of speech-language evaluation and/or the initial identification of individuals with other communication disorders (ASHA, 1990).

The practice of audiology includes:

• facilitating the conservation of auditory system function and developing and implementing environmental and occupational hearing conservation programs;

• screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, preventing, and rehabilitating peripheral and central auditory system dysfunctions;

• providing and interpreting behavioral and (electro) physiological measurements of auditory and vestibular functions;

• selecting, fitting and dispensing of amplification, assistive listening, and alerting devices and other systems (e.g., implantable devices), and providing training in their use;

• providing aural rehabilitation and related counseling services to hearing impaired individuals and their families; and
screening of speech-language and other factors affecting communication function for the purposes of an audiologic evaluation and/or initial identification of individuals with other communication disorders (ASHA, 1990).Additional Information

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists must hold an advanced degree. They must obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a state license where applicable. Also, professionals working in the public schools must meet certification requirements from the State Board of Education in which they are practicing.