Speech Therapy and Audiometry

Speech therapy and audiometry are integral components of the field of audiology, working in tandem to address a wide range of communication and hearing-related challenges. While speech therapy focuses on improving speech and language skills, audiometry involves the assessment of hearing abilities. Together, they play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various communication disorders and hearing impairments.

Common Diseases Treated By The Department

• Hearing Loss: Audiologists in the department assess and diagnose different types and degrees of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss. They provide appropriate interventions, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices.
• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears. Audiologists help patients manage tinnitus through counselling, sound therapy, and recommending coping strategies.
• Auditory Processing Disorders (APD): APD is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing auditory information. Audiologists and speech therapists work together to evaluate and provide therapy for individuals with APD to improve their listening skills and comprehension.
• Speech Disorders: Speech therapists diagnose and treat various speech disorders, including:
• Articulation Disorders: These involve difficulties in pronouncing sounds correctly.
• Phonological Disorders: These affect the sound patterns and rules used in language.
• Fluency Disorders: Such as stuttering, which involves disruptions in the normal flow of speech.
• Voice Disorders: Including conditions that affect the quality, pitch, or volume of the voice.
• Language Disorders: Speech therapists assist individuals with language disorders, which can affect their ability to understand and use spoken or written language. This may include developmental language disorders in children or aphasia in adults.
• Apraxia of Speech: Apraxia is a motor speech disorder that affects the ability to plan and execute the movements needed for speech. Speech therapists work with individuals to improve their speech-motor skills.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can result from various medical conditions, including stroke, neurological diseases, or head and neck cancer. Speech therapists assess swallowing function and develop treatment plans to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.
• Neurological Conditions: Speech therapy and audiometry departments often treat individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries. These conditions can impact speech, voice, and communication abilities.
• Cleft Lip and Palate: Children born with cleft lip and palate often require speech therapy to address speech sound errors and improve their communication skills.
• Hearing Screening: Audiologists in this department conduct hearing screenings for individuals of all ages to identify hearing loss early, particularly in newborns and school-age children.
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD): CAPD is a neurological condition affecting the brain's ability to process auditory information. Audiologists evaluate and provide interventions to help individuals with CAPD improve their listening and comprehension skills.
• Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation: For individuals who receive cochlear implants, audiologists and speech therapists play a vital role in the rehabilitation process, helping recipients adapt to the new auditory experience and develop listening and spoken language skills.
• Vestibular Disorders: Audiologists may also assess and treat individuals with vestibular disorders that affect balance and spatial orientation, which can lead to dizziness and vertigo.

Common Procedures

• Audiological Evaluation: Audiologists conduct comprehensive hearing assessments to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. This typically includes pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry to assess middle ear function.
• Hearing Aid Evaluation and Fitting: Audiologists assess a patient's hearing needs and recommend appropriate hearing aids. They select, program, and fit hearing aids to individual hearing loss profiles and provide guidance on their use and maintenance.
• Cochlear Implant Assessment and Programming: Audiologists evaluate candidates for cochlear implantation, conduct mapping or programming sessions to optimize device settings, and provide ongoing care and support to cochlear implant recipients.
• Tinnitus Evaluation and Management: Audiologists assess tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) and develop customized management plans, which may include sound therapy, counselling, or the use of specialized devices.
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Assessment: Audiologists diagnose APD by evaluating an individual's ability to process and interpret auditory information. Treatment may involve auditory training and other therapeutic techniques.
• Vestibular Testing: Vestibular assessments, including videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG), are used to diagnose balance and dizziness disorders. These tests help identify the cause of balance problems and guide treatment.
• Speech and Language Assessment: Speech-language pathologists assess individuals with speech and language disorders to identify areas of difficulty, such as articulation, language comprehension, or fluency. Standardized tests and clinical observation are commonly used.
• Voice Evaluation: Voice evaluations are performed to assess the quality, pitch, and volume of an individual's voice. Speech therapists diagnose voice disorders and recommend voice therapy techniques to improve vocal health.
• Fluency Assessment: Individuals with fluency disorders, such as stuttering, undergo assessments to determine the severity and characteristics of their disfluencies. Therapy techniques are then tailored to their specific needs.
• Swallowing Evaluation (Dysphagia Assessment): Speech therapists evaluate swallowing function to diagnose dysphagia (swallowing disorders). Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) may be used to visualize the swallowing process.
• Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Assessment: Children born with cleft lip and palate or other craniofacial anomalies receive assessments to address speech sound errors and improve their communication skills.
• Aural Rehabilitation: Audiologists and speech therapists collaborate to provide aural rehabilitation services to individuals with hearing loss or cochlear implants. These services focus on developing listening skills and spoken language abilities.
• Pediatric Assessments: Children with speech and language delays or disorders receive specialized assessments and early intervention services to promote speech and language development.

Key Advantages

• Enhanced Communication Skills: Speech therapy empowers individuals to express themselves effectively, improving their ability to connect with others and engage in social interactions.
• Improved Academic and Professional Success: Speech therapy can positively impact academic performance, job opportunities, and career advancement.
• Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Overcoming communication challenges through speech therapy can lead to increased confidence and a greater sense of self-worth.
• Enriched Quality of Life: Audiometry and subsequent interventions, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, can significantly enhance an individual's overall quality of life by restoring their ability to hear and communicate effectively.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.