A survey of speech-language pathology and audiology needs of older adults

A needs assessment for an agency that serves older adults in a northwestern Ohio county in the United States was conducted by a team of researchers. Data obtained from 301 completed survey questionnaires, from an original 850 that were mailed, pertaining to the disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology are presented. Specifically, results are discussed that relate to a self-reported need or desire for speech-language pathology or audiology services, self-perceptions of needs related to basic functional communication skills, and current and previous diagnoses of communicative and cognitive disorders. Implications for practicing clinical speech-language pathologists and audiologists are also discussed.