Audiologist is a medical professional who deal with patients having hearing disorders. They also take care of the rest of the organs located in the middle or inner ear. Apart from providing diagnosis and treatment of ear diseases, these professionals are also responsible for counseling and rehabilitation services. Speech Pathologist on the other hand deal with the problems associated with speech, language, and communication. These professionals treat inabilities associated with understanding languages, difficulty in producing certain sounds, and so on.

Both the professionals seek each other’s help to cure certain complicated disorders. Though the professions are related to communication disorders, they do differ from each other in certain other aspects.

Audiologist and Opportunities

The candidate should possess certain educational requirements in order to get in to the role of Audiologist. Master’s degree in Audiology is the minimum qualification required for one to get in to the job. Today most of the firms prefer doctorate degree holders for the position of the same. The educational qualifications mentioned here are not enough to get in to the career. The candidate should pass the qualifying examination to become a licensed or registered audiologist.

Speech Pathologist and Opportunities

Several colleges in India offer diploma as well as bachelor level courses in speech therapy. Those who pass any of the courses are qualified to get in to trainee level positions in speech therapy. Post graduation in the related field will help the candidate to get in to senior level positions with out difficulty. These professionals can find opportunities in hospitals and other health care centers and work in side with psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Key difference between Audiologist and Speech Pathologist

• A speech pathologist usually deals with problems related to speech and associated organs such as tongue, lips, mouth, and throat. Audiologist on the other hand deals with disorders associated with hearing and balance organs.
• Another difference between Audiologist and Speech Pathologist is that problems associated with hearing are rather easy to diagnose (that is caused due to physical causes) than that of speech problem.

The educational qualifications required for the professions and the nature of job are different from each other.