CANOE - The Toronto Sun CareerConnection

By Aprille Janes
Special to The Toronto Sun

Does the idea of working in the communications field interest you but you're afraid it will mean impersonal machines, long distances or tele-somethings?

Would you rather work closely with people and make a difference in their lives? Can't see how the two relate to each other?

Then you might want to consider a career as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

How successful a person is in life has a lot to do with their skill in communicating with others. If a hearing or speech problem is allowed to go undetected or untreated, it can be devastating to a child's learning experience or an adult's livelihood.

It can influence their social interactions and ultimately, their self-esteem. Feelings of frustration, segregation and even depression often follow on the heels of the inability to hear or be understood.

As the primary providers of communication healthcare, audiologists and speech-language pathologists can make an enormous contribution to a person's ability to participate in the world around them.

These registered professionals are trained to assess and treat speech and hearing problems.

"This is one of the greatest jobs in the world," says audiologist Shira Miller, B.SC, M.Cl.Sc., Aud (C). Miller works in private practices in Brampton and Port Perry.

"I wanted a profession that made a difference. I love high technology and enjoy using it to help people improve their quality of life. Communication has a direct impact on their relationships. I find that very exciting and rewarding."

Audiologists are trained to assess and treat individuals with hearing difficulties.

Cover Letter Tips

Use standard business format. Personalizing the letter with your own letterhead that matches the resume is perfectly acceptable. Begin with the date, employer's name, title, address right at the top.

If you can, try to do a little company research, and insert a line or two to indicate you have done some homework on the company while marketing yourself at the same time. For example: "I see from your company's Web site that customer service was presented as an issue at your last AGM. Perhaps my experience would allow me to address some service gaps."

If you can, try to address the card to a specific person; this will immediately establish a connection with the reader. If a name is unavailable, do not write any variation of "Dear Sir/Madame" or "To Whom it May Concern." Better to address the letter to "Hiring Officer" or "Hiring Committee" than to generically go where everyone has gone before.

Always, always ask for an interview in the body of the letter.

Always thank the employer for taking the time to consider your letter. Remember they are investing time and energy into surveying your work; indicate some appreciation!

Cover letters should not be more than one page long. Try to write in at least a 12-pt. font.

If an initial test indicates hearing loss, the audiologist will select appropriate care. This can range from fitting the individual with a hearing aid or other listening device to providing other types of services including specialized therapy.

As well, Audiologists will provide advice and instruction to caregivers and families. Speech-Language Pathologists, in addition to working with communication skills, also deal with swallowing difficulties because the muscles used are the same in either process. Comprehensive diagnoses of voice, speech or articulation disorders are made using a wide variety of methods.

Treatment may involve other medical professions and can include biofeedback devices, alternative communication methods as well as education of families and caregivers. The Speech-Language Pathologist works closely with the individual, setting goals and monitoring progress, becoming actively involved in the process with their clients.

Each of these fields requires a minimum of a master's degree. Programs that include academic and clinical training are available at three universities in Ontario: the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario.

Once the student graduates, they must register with a regulatory college in order to practice. In this province, the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario is the governing body.

Once licenced, there are a variety of settings, from private practice to hospitals and from industry to public health units, where these health professionals are needed.

Research opportunities are also available if you'd like to be on the leading edge of technology.

In addition, you'll find a wide range of clients requiring the services of these medical professionals. Although there is potential for working with all age groups, children in particular make up a large segment of those requiring assistance.

Early detection can be crucial in ensuring a child has a good start in life, both socially and academically. Often schools and children's treatment centres employ audiologists and speech-language pathologists to provide screening and the help a child requires.

Employment prospects are good in these rapidly growing fields. They offer an excellent opportunity if you love working with people and the act of human communication interests you. Salaries may range from the low $40,000s to the mid-$70,000s.

For more information on these careers, contact the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists at 416-920-3676 or visit the Web site, www.osla.on.ca.

And just a reminder: May is Hearing Awareness Month in Canada. Look up your local audiologist in the Yellow Pages and make an appointment today to have your hearing checked. It's never too late, or too early.

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