Mission Statement

The mission of the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association (WSHA) is to provide leadership and support for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and speech, language and hearing scientists in Wisconsin through advocacy, education, and public awareness.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating people with communication problems. They hold masters or doctoral degrees from accredited universities with special training in evaluating how individuals produce speech or how individuals understand language or how individuals express themselves. They evaluate adults, children and infants. Speech-language pathologists administer a wide array of tests to determine if a communication problem does exist and what is the best way to treat the individual with this communication problem. Communication problems can range from fluency/stuttering disorders, to vocal/voice disorders, to speech disorders, to language disorders.

Besides holding a masters or doctoral degree, most practicing Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists have earned national certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-SLP or CCC-A). Wisconsin also requires licensure to practice either from the state or from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) if you work in a school setting. If you are in doubt, don't hesitate to ask your Speech Language Pathologist or Audiologist about their level of education and certification/licensure.

Audiologists

Audiologists specialize in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. They hold masters or doctoral degrees from accredited universities with special training in evaluating the hearing of adults, infants and children of all ages. Audiologists conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of an individual's hearing problem. Audiologists also dispense and fit hearing aids, administer tests of balance to evaluate dizziness, and provide hearing rehabilitation training.