Speech and language therapists focus on the aetiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages in order to help them maintain, promote, improve, initiate, or recover the ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. They address the development of language, speech, vocal and hearing functions, and disorders and disabilities in the cranial, facial, and oral area.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Evaluating hearing, speech and language performance in patients to determine the nature of hearing and communication disorders;
(b) Administering hearing or speech/language tests or other examinations using specialized diagnostic instruments and equipment, and interpreting test results alongside other medical, social and behavioural diagnostic data to determine appropriate courses of treatment;
(c) Planning, directing and participating in counselling, screening, speech rehabilitation and other programmes related to hearing and communication;
(d) Prescribing hearing aids and other assistive devices according to patients’ needs and instructing them in their use;
(e) Planning and conducting treatment programmes to manage physical disorders affecting speech and swallowing;
(f) Counselling and guiding hearing and/or language-impaired individuals, their families, teachers and employers;
(g) Referring patients and families to additional medical or educational services if needed.