Speech language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) are health care professionals who are trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with speech, hearing, language and swallowing problems. For example, they work with people who are hearing-impaired to help their speech, and with people who have had strokes or other brain injuries to regain some lost language and speech. They help children and adolescents with language disorders to improve language skills that lead to better academic performance. Some speech language pathologists also do research on hearing loss disorders.

Areas of Specialization
Speech language pathologists may specialize in specific populations such as children, adolescents, adults or the elderly. They may also specialize in the type of hearing or communication problems such as hearing-impaired or stuttering problems.

Work Environment
Speech language pathologists may work in hospitals, clinics, hearing loss clinics, private practice or with home health agencies. They may work as solo practitioners or in a group practice. They may also work in research-oriented establishments such as university or college settings.