Speech-Language Therapist

The expert evaluates deficiencies in a claimant's ability to communicate and how that impacts on the ability to functioning in daily life. The evaluation includes examinations of the face, jaw and teeth, movement of the lips and tongue, the pharynx, palate, sound production, feeding and swallowing ability, articulation, fluency and language skills. This expert does not comment on causation of the impairment, but rather the existence, extent and impact thereof.

Audiologist

The expert performs a diagnostic hearing test (Audiogram) to determine deficiencies in hearing abilities and the influence thereof on the claimant's ability to communicate. This expert diagnostically determines whether there is in fact a deficiency in hearing ability but does determine causation.