Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology: Interprofessional Partners

By Melissa Fryer and Traci E. Eveson

This article is a part of the May/June 2021, Volume 33, Number 3, Audiology Today issue.

There are inherent similarities in the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Best practice in client-centered care focuses on bringing our disciplines together in the service of our mutual populations. This article outlines the broad areas where our professions intersect and how we share in developing optimal outcomes for the people we serve.

The Field of Speech-Language Pathology

An SLP is an expert in communication and cares for patients across the lifespan, from newborns to geriatrics. SLPs address speech-sound production, language, literacy, social communication, cognitive-communication, feeding, and swallowing. We provide education, collaboration, counseling, prevention and wellness, screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment while using advanced modalities, technology, and instrumentation (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2016).

We work with individuals who have delays or disorders that sometimes have comorbidities, one of which may be hearing loss. The SLP works in various settings, including hospitals, educational settings, outpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and private clinics. Some examples of the type of populations we serve are babies with a cleft palate who have feeding problems, children or adults with a wide range of mild to severe disabilities, individuals with traumatic brain injuries or dementia, and students with a cochlear implant.

An SLP’s education starts with obtaining a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. After a student has completed a master’s degree program, including 400 hours of clinical experience, they must (1) complete a 36-week clinical fellowship, (2) apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and (3) obtain a state professional license (Hudson et al,  2021). Some states required a provisional license during the clinical fellowship.

SLPs are also required to complete 30 hours of continuing education within three-year certification intervals. To enhance learning and skills further, an SLP can join a special interest group through ASHA to gain knowledge and skills in specialized practice areas. Four of the 18 special interest groups include Audiology and Public Health, Hearing and Hearing Disorders in Childhood, Aural Rehabilitation and Its Instrumentation, and Hearing and Hearing Disorders: Research and Diagnostics.