If your child is having trouble with hearing or speech, you might have heard terms like “speech therapist” and “audiologist” used interchangeably. But these are actually two different professionals who work in complementary ways—and understanding the difference can help you get the right care for your child in Johannesburg or Randburg.
At Speak Clearly, we work closely with both types of practitioners, and we want you to understand who does what.
What Does a Speech Therapist Do?
A speech therapist (also called a speech-language pathologist or SLP) specialises in communication and swallowing. They assess and treat conditions like:
- Speech delay – when children aren’t saying words on time
- Articulation problems – like lisps or unclear pronunciation
- Language delay – difficulty understanding or using words
- Stuttering – interrupted or repetitive speech
- Voice disorders – hoarse or strained voice
- Swallowing difficulties – in some cases
A speech therapist works with children to help them communicate better through exercises, games, and strategies parents can use at home.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist specialises in hearing and balance. A paediatric audiologist (who works with children) performs:
- Hearing tests – to check if your child can hear properly
- Balance assessments – for dizziness or coordination issues
- Earwax removal – in some settings
- Hearing aid fitting – if hearing aids are needed
- Auditory processing testing – checking how the brain processes sound
An audiologist’s job is to detect hearing problems early and manage them so your child can hear clearly and develop speech normally.
How Do They Work Together?
Here’s the key connection: hearing is the foundation for speech development. If a child can’t hear properly, they often struggle to speak clearly—even if their speech mechanism works fine.
In Johannesburg and Randburg, many children see both professionals:
- A child comes in with speech that’s hard to understand
- The speech therapist refers to an audiologist to rule out hearing loss
- If the hearing test is normal, speech therapy focuses on the articulation or language delay
- If the hearing test shows a problem (like glue ear), the audiologist and speech therapist work together to manage it
In some cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor may also be involved if there’s a medical cause.
When Should Your Child See a Speech Therapist vs an Audiologist?
See a speech therapist if:
- Your child isn’t saying as many words as other children their age
- People outside the family can’t understand what they say
- They stutter or have a very hoarse voice
- They’re not following instructions or using language like other children
See an audiologist if:
- Your child doesn’t respond to sounds or their name
- They have ear infections or wax buildup
- They have a family history of hearing loss
- A speech therapist has referred them for a hearing check
- You simply want a baseline hearing assessment for peace of mind
Often, both: If you’re not sure which professional your child needs, start with a speech therapist. During their assessment, they can refer to an audiologist if a hearing check is important.
Finding the Right Professionals in Johannesburg and Randburg
At Speak Clearly in Randburg, we’re here to help guide you. Whether your child needs a speech therapist, an audiologist, or both, we can point you in the right direction—and many of our clients see us alongside an audiologist partner, ensuring your child’s hearing and speech are both checked.
If you’re unsure what your child needs, a simple first step is a speech and language assessment. Book a speech therapy assessment at Speak Clearly today, and we’ll help you figure out the next steps.