Audiology includes studying the nervous system to learn how we sense, perceive, and derive information from the sense organs. Audiology students also learn about the development of speech and language, the anatomy and physiology of the ear, a variety of electronic test instruments that reveal the function of the intricate processes involved in hearing, and disorders and diseases of hearing. Physicians use audiological findings to diagnose and treat hearing problems. This information is also used in counseling the hearing impaired and for prescribing hearing aids.
Teachers use the knowledge to understand and help children with hearing impairments.
The discipline of speech-language pathology emerged to help people who have lost of have never had the ability to speak normally. It serves persons with speech and language disorders such as stuttering, articulation problems, aphasia, voice problems, language delay, and similar disabilities. Professionals work in public schools, hospitals, private or community clinics, or private practice. This is a preprofessional program leading to a master's degree that is required for entrance into the profession.