Speech and Hearing Center

The Speech and Hearing Center is located in the Old Capstone Medical Center Building at 700 University Boulevard East, on the campus of The University of Alabama. Services are provided year-round by experienced, licensed, and nationally certified speech-language pathologist and audiologists who direct and supervise students in diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday-8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Call 348-7131-to schedule an appointment or to obtain further information.

Links:

Pre-School Speech and Language Program

Intervention Program for Toddlers with Autism

Tips for Parents on Learning at Home

Notice of Health Information Practices (HIPPA Statement)

Services Available:

  • Speech and language evaluations
  • Speech and language therapy for adults and children
  • Full range of hearing evaluations, including otoacoustic emission testing
  • Computerized hearing-aid fitting, dispensing, and repair
  • Counseling
  • Industrial hearing conservation programs

What are speech and language disorders?

  • Speech and language problems are difficulties understanding and/or using the language systems of society. They may range from problems making certain sounds to the complete absence of a means of communication.

Types of needs served:

  • Articulation. Difficulties with mastery of the way sounds are formed, usually characterized by the substitution of one sound for another, omission of sounds, or distortion of a sound.
  • Stuttering. An interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, characterized by repetitions, hesitations, and prologations of sounds, words, and phrases.
  • Aphasia. Impairment or loss of speech and language, generally resulting from a stroke or head injury.
  • Dysarthria. Slurred speech due to facial muscle weakness, usually resulting from brain damage following a stroke.
  • Voice Disorders. Voice disorders include abnormalities in the pitch, quality, loudness, or resonance.
  • Language delay. A marked slowness in the development of skills necessary for expressing and/or understanding thoughts or ideas.

Occasionally, communication
problems may be related to physical conditions such as cleft palate, laryngectomy,
cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury, and diseases.

What is hearing impairment?

  • A hearing impairment is a full or partial decrease in the ability to detect or understand sounds.

What are the causes of hearing loss?

  • The normal aging process
  • Exposure to loud noise
  • Disease and physical trauma
  • Genetic factors

Symptoms of hearing loss:

  • Children who are inattentive and/or who frequently ask to have speech repeated may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss.
  • Delayed speech and language development and poor grades in school may indicate hearing difficulties.
  • Dizziness, facial numbness, and ringing in the ears can be associated with hearing loss in adults. In some instances, symptoms are related to medical conditions that require a medical referral.