Abstract
This position paper, prepared by the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trails Research Group, describes communication and swallowing disorders associated with blast injuries and delineates the roles of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in the management of these deficits. Recovery of individuals with mild, moderate, or severe swallowing, speech, hearing, and cognitive-communication impairments is best facilitated by a team of multidisciplinary specialists including SLPs and audiologists. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have the knowledge and skills to evaluate, treat, and research swallowing, speech, hearing, and cognitive-communication functions, and they should have a primary role in determining the clinical management of, research agenda for, and public health policies regarding individuals with blast-related head injuries from the time of injury to their return to maximized life participation and quality of life.