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May is Better Speech and Hearing Month
News Release
Riverside HCF
Do you know someone who says “wabbit” instead of rabbit? Has a voice that is hoarse or breathy in comparison to others? Is learning to talk later than other children of the same age? Has difficulty hearing?
People who have these types of difficulties can receive help from Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Speech therapists, Speech Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathologists are a few of the titles that designate persons who assist in the management of communications disorders. Speech-Language Pathologist has come to be the official title recognized in North America.
The Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist receive university training at the graduate level. In addition to academic preparation, students complete many hours of supervised clinical experience. The graduate Speech-Langue Pathologist is a professional qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat a broad spectrum of communication disorders. An Audiologist is a professional whose primary concerns are the identification, assessment, and management of those with auditory (hearing) disorders.
Several facilities in the Rainy River District provide service for children and adults with communication disorders. Audiology services are available at the Northwestern Health Unit (274-9827) and The Ear Clinic (274-1168). Speech-Language Pathology services are available for children birth to five years at the Northwestern Health Unit-North Words Program (274-5684), for school age children at their school (contact your child’s school), for adults at La Verendrye Hospital (274-4836), for school age to adult at MSLP Services (482-3534), and for adults in long term care through Community Care Access Centre (274-8561).
The effect that a communication disorder has on a person will vary, but if left untreated it might have a negative impact on your relationships, education, occupation, and emotional wellbeing. A consultation with one of these professionals will help you understand what your treatment options may be.