Initial audio-speech therapist consultation

audio-speech therapy session

Audiologist consultation (Audiologist visit)

The audiologist is a functional specialist who deals with the evaluation and therapy of speech, language, voice, hearing, swallowing, nutrition and communication disorders in both adults and children.

Unlike a speech therapist, an audiologist is a medical practitioner who also has an in-depth knowledge of the impact of hearing on speech development, providing a comprehensive approach to improving communication.

The visit of an audiologist is recommended for patients in order to:

assess the child’s speech and language development at any age (including the first year of life);
correct speech articulation, if there is a disturbance of sound pronunciation or the pace of speech is too fast/slow, any changes in the fluency of speech are observed (for example, stuttering);
evaluate the child’s reading and writing skills;
deal with voice disorders of different origins;
diagnosed and prescribed therapy in case of swallowing disorders (dysphagia);
engage in the rehabilitation of hearing disorders;
use myofunctional therapy method in case of facial, jaw, respiratory, orofacial muscle, speech articulation, nutritional disorders;
address issues related to nutritional difficulties at any age.

Timely diagnosis allows you to more accurately determine the presence of the problem, its origin and initiate appropriate therapy.

How do I prepare for my Audiologist appointment?

First step

prepare previous opinions, if available (results of ENT physician, neurologist or audiometry are especially important);

Second step

parents are advised to write down the words used by the child or the observed difficulties in daily communication;

Third step

reconsider and write down the questions you would like to ask the specialist, so that it is easier to get answers to them during the visit;

Fourth step

prepare the child for the fact that during the visit it will be necessary to play, talk and perform interesting tasks;

Fifth step

can prepare video or audio recordings taken in the home environment / household, as the child at the first meeting may be worried and not ready for communication.

### What happens during an audiologist’s visit?

During the visit of the audiologist:

the specialist listens to complaints and learns the history of the patient’s development (from pregnancy to the moment of the visit);
assesses the resting state of the face, jaws, oral cavity muscles, proper functioning (measurements, photographs, videos are taken for children who are ready to cooperate);
assesses the structure of the articulation apparatus (tongue, lips, palate), speech, breathing, voice and language comprehension, reading skills, writing skills (as necessary);
verifies sound pronunciation and communication skills using games, images or digital tools;
at the end of the visit, develop an individual exercise and therapy plan.

What will you receive at the end of your visit?

a specialist’s conclusion on the state of speech, language, nutrition, reading, writing or swallowing functions;

an individual therapy plan with clear goals and, if necessary, home exercises,;

recommendations on the need to start regular audiologist classes or visit other specialists.