Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Audiology and Speech Language Pathology

ODHH Audiology and Speech Language Resources

Audiology is the study and diagnosis of hearing, balance, and related disorders. Audiologists working in this field help treat hearing loss and attempt to preemptively prevent related damage by evaluating patients, administering hearing tests, as well as prescribing and dispensing hearing aids and other hearing assistance technologies such as cochlear implants. Audiologists can also help with hearing rehabilitation training for those diagnosed with a hearing loss by assisting with auditory training, speech reading, and listening skills improvement.

For information on getting help for your child’s audiology services, please refer to: Maryland Medicaid Program Audiology Services.

For information on getting hearing aids and cochlear implants for adults with Medicaid, please refer to the Clinical Coverage Policy.

Speech – language pathology, also known as speech therapy, specializes in evaluating and treating those with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency disorders. Speech therapists often work with other professionals to help assist individuals, such as teachers, physicians, audiologists, families, social workers, and psychologists. Speech – language pathologists often help with stuttering, voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice, and issues related to producing speech sounds.

To best determine your needs, please contact an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

For information on early intervention, please refer to: Infants, Children, and Youth.