Do I need to see an Audiologist?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists (Auds) are highly trained professionals who can help people make their lives richer, and more productive and enjoyable through improved communication skills. We identify, assess, and rehabilitate children and adults with communication disorders, as well as hearing loss. We counsel clients and families, and provide referrals to other professionals. We are committed to ongoing research and public education, and are regulated through the Health Professions Act.
Many of us take our hearing and ability to speak for granted. In fact, one in 10 Canadians have a speech, language, or hearing disorder that present daily challenges. To determine whether you or your family member should be seen by a speech-language pathologist or audiologist consider the following checklists:
Speech, Language, and Literacy
• Does your child or someone you know say sounds incorrectly?
• Does your child have difficulty with reading and literacy skills?
• Does your child have limited verbal skills to communicate needs and wants?
• Does your child stutter?
• Do you or someone you know have difficulty following directions or remembering details and instructions given?
• Do you know someone who has had a stroke and struggles with having conversations?
Hearing and Listening
• Do you hear words but not understand what is being said?
• Do people seem to mumble?
• Do others complain you turn up the TV or radio too loudly?
• Do you find it difficult to hear in noisy environments?
• Do your family members complain that you are not hearing them?
• Do you have difficulty focusing on one person’s voice while there are other noises around you? (i.e. restaurant noise, music in the background)
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work daily with Canadians of all ages to help them deal with many different types of communication disorders. Whether working with an individual with autism, a person recovering from a stroke, or someone discovering they have hearing loss, they strive to help improve the quality of life and health of the people they serve.
HearSay offers free speech and hearing screenings each month in order to provide information and answer questions or concerns you may have regarding speech, language, reading, and hearing. To book an appointment call our office at (905) 875-3345.
