Speech Pathology and Audiology
The Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, can help patients of all ages with communication difficulties related to speech, hearing, and swallowing. Whether the problems are congenital or occurred after an illness or injury, our certified specialists can develop an individualized treatment program that strives to enhance the patient's quality of life.
We can help patients with communication problems related to:
- stroke recovery
- speech/language delay
- laryngectomy
- voice problems
- stuttering
- dysphagia (swallowing)
- language of the learning disabled
- hearing impairment
- non-verbal communication
- articulation problems
- foreign dialect
- tongue thrust
As rehabilitation professionals, speech/language pathologists work closely with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, vocational counselors, social workers, and patient families.
Services
We focus on developing an individualized treatment plan that is appropriate for the patient's age — from small children to seniors. Our patients and their families frequently use the following programs.
Alternative communication techniques and strategies
Appropriate prosthetic or adaptive devices for speaking
Diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy involves the assessment and diagnosis of a patient's expressive and receptive language abilities. People often require intervention and treatment by a speech pathologist to improve communication skills following a neurological event such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury or a progressive neurological disease.
Cognitive Therapy
Speech Language Pathologists can provide assessment and treatement for cognitive aspects of communication which can include impaired attention, memory, problem solving, or executive function deficits. Patients with dementia and acquired brain injury often benefit from strategies implemented from cognitive therapy.
Voice Therapy
Voice Therapy is an approach to treating voice disorders that involves vocal and physical exercises coupled with behavioral changes. People with vocal nodules, vocal cord paralysis and polyps often benefit from these strategies.
Audiology Services Study
Jefferson Regional Medical Center offers audiological services by an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified and state-licensed Audiologist. The audiologist is available to provide hearing assessments, recommendations for rehabilitative services, and provides consulation and referral services to patients. Some services include, audiometrical testing, tympanometry, speech reception threshold and testing.
Staff
Our program is staffed with speech pathologists certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Our speech pathologists are well-trained in diagnostic and treatment techniques. An ASHA-certified audiologist is also available for services.
Location and Appointment Information
Therapy is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. through early evening at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and our Curry Hollow Location.
The program accepts referrals from physicians, social workers, family members, or directly from the individual seeking treatment. Most major insurance plans are accepted; a patient account advisor can assist patients without insurance or coverage for these services.
