This new edition retains the strong introduction to communication processes and disorders of the first edition. It is complemented by a focus on clinical illustration of normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing. The text presents a lifespan perspective on disorders from infancy through geriatrics, covering both normal development and disorders. Each chapter reflects insights gained from first-hand clinical, research, and teaching experience across a variety of clinical populations. Throughout the book, professionals in the field address what they find engaging about their careers. The focus of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are conveyed through clinical cases, discussion of professional issues, and vignettes of professional interactions in a variety of work settings. This broad-based introduction presents the range of content central to the professions, yet maintains a consistent, easy-to-comprehend style and unified voice.

New to this Edition:

• Offers a new order of the chapters so that normal aspects and disordered function are covered in sequence for each of the areas of speech, language, and hearing.
• Includes a new chapter written by Theodore Glattke, Ph.D., on the biological basis for hearing to provide additional background support for the hearing disorders chapters and to improve the balance of information relevant to speech pathology and audiology.
• Contains more clinical cases to illustrate the nature of normal development, disorders, and professional practices within the various chapters.
• Includes new book lists from the popular literature at the end of the disorders chapters. These books include personal accounts of individuals with communication disorders written from various points of view.