Our Services
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Description of Services
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology provides audiology services related to the identification, assessment and management of hearing disorders and provides comprehensive speech and language services.
Consultation services are available to inpatients who may have a variety of medical disorders including, but not limited to:
- Seizures and other neurologic disorders
- Head injuries
- Developmental disabilities
- Tracheotomies
- Hearing disorders
- Meningitis
- Respiratory disorders (ventilator dependency)
- Those at risk for hearing loss or speech and language disorders
Inpatient consultation services include assessment, treatment, discharge planning and family counseling involving patient rehabilitative management.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Audiology Screening Services
Communication Disorders Services
Stuttering Center
Center for Acquired Communication Disorders
Referral Requirements
Audiology Screening Services
Routine and sophisticated monitoring methods are used to assess all dimensions of hearing, including the processing of auditory information in children from birth through early adulthood. Diagnostic evaluations using behavioral audiometry determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Electrophysiologic evaluation, which includes the auditory brainstem response (ABR), auditory steady state response and otoacoustic emissions tests, provides important information regarding the hearing status of infants and children. Central auditory processing evaluation uses a team approach to evaluate a child’s auditory and language processing ability. Newborn hearing screening evaluates newborns at risk for hearing loss.
The Hearing Aid Evaluation and Dispensing Program assesses the suitability of a hearing aid, measures hearing aid performances and dispenses hearing aids. The families of children with hearing loss receive counseling regarding the use and care of hearing aids, communication strategies and educational options.
Upon evaluation, the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program may provide an additional option for children with severe to profound hearing loss.
Communication Disorders Services
The clinical staff specializes in assessing and treating children with a broad range of diagnoses, including:
- Velopharyngeal inconsistency
- Voice disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Language impairment
- Speech-motor and phonologic disorders
Therapy is offered by the department, or appropriate referrals for additional consultation and treatment may be made.
Assessment services include comprehensive diagnostic evaluations as well as brief screenings:
- Speech and Language Evaluation provides assessment regarding receptive language, expressive language and speech-sound production.
- Language Processing Evaluation determines whether the child has a problem managing language information that may substantially interfere with learning and school performance.
- Voice and Resonance Evaluation determines whether the child’s voice is normal and, if not, if there is a physical reason for the problem. An otolaryngologist often is involved in this evaluation.
The Swallowing Disorders Clinic provides comprehensive assessments for children who may have a swallowing disorder. Assessment includes gathering in-depth medical and feeding information in conjunction with observation of feeding with different liquids and food textures. Radiology staff often assist with this assessment.
Stuttering Center of Western Pennsylvania
The Stuttering Center of Western Pennsylvania provides specialized assessment and treatment as well as education, training and support for clinicians who work with individuals who stutter.
Center for Acquired Communication Disorders
The Center for Acquired Communication Disorders (CACD) combines the resources of Audiology and Communication Disorders to provide high-quality assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with acquired linguistic, cognitive-communicative, motor-speech, voice, hearing and swallowing impairments. Acquired communication disorders (ACD) often are the result of traumatic brain injury, tumors, diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems or seizure disorders. Certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists staff the CACD.
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Professional Service Board (PSB) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Referral Requirements
Referrals may be received from any source. Self-referrals also are accepted. Insurance referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children’s Hospital specialty services. Insurance referrals, as required by many insurance companies for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans, also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient’s visit. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call the office number.
