One in every six Americans has difficulty communicating. Speech, language, and hearing problems are serious, yet treatable conditions that people seldom talk about-they are "silent struggles."

Communication disorders can take many forms. Children can be born with disorders that can affect hearing, speech, or language development, or a combination of the three. Accidental injury or illness can cause difficulties at any age. In general, communication disorders can limit school success, social adjustment, and career advancement.

Fortunately, there are professionals trained to help with these communication problems. Audiologists diagnose hearing difficulties and then recommend hearing aids and other assistive listening devices when appropriate. They can teach people with hearing loss strategies to make communication easier. Speech-language pathologists treat all types of speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems. Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, they can teach strategies to help them cope and function as independently as possible in their home, school, and/or community.

Audiologists and Speech-language pathologists hold a minimum of a master's degree, certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are licensed by the state of Missouri. They work in schools, private practice, hospitals, clinics and other health and educational settings.

If you have concerns about any of these topics for you or for a friend/loved one, please call the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association at 1-888-SAY-MSHA or MSHA@showmemsha.org . Anything that limits abilities in hearing, speech or language limits your life. Here's to better communication.