Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are specialists in identifying, diagnosing and treating hearing impairments and communication disorders. Part of their job is to counsel and educate their clients and their families, and possibly refer them to other specialists. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists may be found working in medical centers and hospitals, private practice settings, schools, government health facilities and agencies, as well as colleges and universities.

Audiologists specialize in hearing loss and balance problems, while speech-language pathologists focus on disorders related to oral motor, swallowing, cognitive-linguistic, speech, or language skills. Both types of specialists complete a Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program. Their academic and clinical training provides the foundation for treating patients from birth through adulthood.