Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Communication is an essential tool used by people from birth to death. It allows us to exchange information with others for many reasons. However, 1 in 10 Canadians has a speech, language or hearing problem. For people with communication disorders, the services of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist may help.
Audiologists are trained professionals in the study of normal hearing processes and hearing loss. They are specialists in identifying and managing hearing loss and balance disorders. Audiologists have a master’s degrees (or equivalent) in their professions. They attended accredited university programs for 4 to 6 years to complete their formal education.
Speech Language Pathologists are trained professionals in the study of human communication, its development and disorders. They are specialists in assessing and treating speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and other related communication disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties. Speech Language Pathologists have a master’s degrees (or equivalent) in their professions. They attended accredited university programs for 4 to 6 years to complete their formal education.
INFORMATION FROM THE BETTER HEARING INSTITUTE
Your Guide To Care & Maintenance of Hearing Aids
A Guide To Your Child's Hearing
Your Guide To Hearing Aids
INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVATE PRACTICE SPEECH- LANGUAGE AND HEARING SERVICES IN SASKATCHEWAN
Private speech-language or hearing services are available across the province. Licensed professionals who have met the standards for practice in Saskatchewan are available to provide services if:
- you are unable to access public services*
- you want to get started right away
- you want more than public services* can offer
- you want a second opinion
*Note: Public services are available through schools, community health facilities, and hospitals.
Private services are offered on a fee for service basis determined by the individual professional. For speech and language services there are hourly or daily fees along with charges for mileage, expenses, report or letter writing, travel time, consultation with others including attending meetings, and for lectures or in-service. Expect to pay about $80 per hour with most providers charging between $60 and $125 per hour. For contracts, expect to pay about $600 per day with most providers charging between $500 and $800 per day. For audiology there are fees based on the specific service you require.
Many insurance companies do cover speech and language or hearing services. Call your insurance provider and ask! There are Saskatchewan Employee Assistance Programs available to help families cover the costs of private assessment and therapy. Persistence and investigation has been successful for some families seeking financial assistance.
The demand for private services in Saskatchewan has risen over the past few years. You may find that some of the professionals listed in our directory are not accepting new clients or are using a waiting list. We encourage you not to give up but to call the next name on the list for your area. There are professionals available to help!
Further Information
Suggested resources to help you understand hearing, communication and their disorders include:
Quick information sheets for hearing, speech, language and swallowing:
www.speechandhearing.ca/en/consumer-info/information-sheets
Hearing, Balance, Speech, Language and Swallowing Information: www.asha.org/public
Questions and Concerns
General Questions
Complaint Process
Complaint Form
Contact a Speech-Language Patholgoist or Audiologist near you.
