[By Fatima Khan, MA CCC-SLP, Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist at Samaritan Hospital – Albany Memorial Campus.]
May marks National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time dedicated to raise awareness of the essential work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in our communities. SLPs and audiologists work in a variety of settings including schools, home care settings, inpatient settings, and outpatient clinics and work with people of all ages.
This year’s theme – “Connecting Through Communication” – highlights the central role of communication in building relationships and supporting healing. Whether it’s helping a patient regain speech after a stroke or establishing multimodal methods of communication for children or adults with speech/language difficulties, SLPs and audiologists are important, crucial members of any healthcare team.
Communication is a Vital Part of Health
In healthcare, effective communication is vital for patients to express their needs and for receiving proper care. Disorders affecting speech, language, hearing, voice, or swallowing can significantly impact a patient’s well-being and independence.
These challenges often accompany conditions such as:
- Stroke or traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Pediatric developmental delays
- Head and neck cancers
If left untreated, communication difficulties can lead to isolation, reduced safety, nutritional risk (due to swallowing disorders), and a lower quality of life.
Speech and Hearing Professionals in Healthcare
SLPs and audiologists are integral members of multidisciplinary care teams in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Their services support recovery, maximize independence, and improve long-term outcomes.
- SLPs evaluate and treat issues related to speaking, understanding, memory, cognition, voice, and swallowing.
- Audiologists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders, often fitting hearing aids or cochlear implants and providing aural rehabilitation.
St. Peter’s Speech-Language Pathology services offer a multidisciplinary approach, and inpatient and outpatient services throughout the Capital Region, that provide every patient at any age the best care available for a wide spectrum of speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties requiring outpatient services, visit us at www.sphp.com/SPEECH. You may also contact one of the following St. Peter’s Health Partners sites that offer speech and language services:
Albany Memorial Outpatient
600 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204
518-471-3195
Troy/Downtown
147 Hoosick St., Troy, NY 12180
518 268-5749
Clifton Park
648 Plank Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065
518 268-4800
Sunnyview Outpatient
1270 Belmont Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308
518-386-3666
