Anything that limits your ability to communicate limits your life. Over 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, and over 14 million have a speech or language problem. Many people don't even know that with proper identification and treatment, the impacts of a speech and language problem can be eliminated or minimized. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are the professionals qualified to identify and treat these problems. Finding the right professional is an important first step in getting the help you need.
AAPPSPA members hold the highest qualifications in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. The membership is a close network of dedicated professionals who are in practice to help those with communication problems.
How Do I Find a Provider?
Here are two things that you should always look for in a potential provider:- If your state has licensure requirements, make sure the person you contact holds a current state license to practice in the field of audiology or speech-language pathology.
- Make sure the provider holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in audiology or speech-language pathology.
- What kind of continuing education is the provider involved in?
- How much experience does she/he have with my particular problem?
- What have I heard about her/his services from past clients?
- Does she/he solicit feedback from past clients?
- How does the provider track the effectiveness of treatment?
- Where is the provider located?
- What hours is she/he available?