5 Areas of Research for a Speech Language Pathology Student

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Updated July 19, 2022
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5 Research Topics in Speech Language Pathology

  • Traumatic Injury and Language Function
  • Development Of Reading Skills In Youth
  • Speech Processing In Elderly Patients
  • Language and Its Relation to Hearing Loss
  • Speech Related Diseases And Their Treatments
Working toward a Master's in Speech Language Pathology can be very interesting. There are a number of different demographics you learn about whether it be the very young or the very old. If you are studying towards your master’s degree then you will have to complete some additional research that usually is presented in the form of a research paper, or thesis. This project usually includes a lot of parameters that you have to follow and if you don’t pick a topic that is interesting to you, or well studied, this project can drag on and on. A simple topic won’t allow you to get specific enough but something too specific won’t bring you enough information. Let’s take a look at five different areas of study for a speech language pathology student. Resource: Top 50 Master’s in Speech Language Pathology Degrees

1. Traumatic Injury and Language Function

When a person is involved in a traumatic injury that affects their brain, this can have a negative effect on their ability to speak properly. These issues can be caused by damage to the brain, swelling, etc. Over time some speech functions may come back on their own but there is often some form of rehabilitation that is needed. This is an excellent topic when it comes to picking a specific area of study for a student in this field.

2. Development of Reading Skills In Youth

Speech language issues can cause students to need additional help with reading skills and language development. Different techniques are used for diagnosing these learning issues and different treatment options are available as well. When it comes to information on this topic, you can focus on the diagnosis of reading issues, the ways you can work with a student to assist them with their learning, and the potential outcomes.

3. Speech Processing In Elderly Patients

As a person ages they may begin to have speech and language concerns that they didn’t have when they were younger. This can be affected by a number of issues whether it be an illness, hearing loss, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and so on. The severity of the speech language issues vary and treatment needs to be tailored to each patient based on their concerns and what their outcome may be.

4. Language and Its Relation to Hearing Loss

When a person experiences hearing loss, this can greatly affect their own speech in addition to understanding others. Some people are born deaf or with significant hearing loss. Others develop hearing loss over time or experience it because of an accident. Research can be done on language and speech and why they are affected so greatly by hearing loss. Also consider looking at how therapy and other techniques can help improve a person’s speech.

5. Speech Related Diseases And Their Treatments

There are a number of diseases and conditions that affect a person’s speech and language. This can be anything from autism and dyslexia to something that affects older people like bell’s palsy or Parkinson’s disease. Information is always being discovered for many of these conditions and it is important to look at everything whether it be how the disease affects the brain and speech or how these conditions can be treated to a positive outcome. According to Forbes, the demand for speech pathologists is great. Completing research during a Master's in Speech Language Pathology program provides students a chance to focus on a topic that could potentially be used in a future job. While it not only enhances an education, it provides an opportunity to stand out with prospective employers.

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