(A123) Geospatial Analysis of the Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist Workforce in the United States

Introduction: This epidemiological study evaluated the national distribution of licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), examined socioeconomic differences between low- and high-access regions, and compared findings with the otolaryngology workforce distribution.

Methods: Geospatial analysis of publicly available 2024 National Provider Identifier (NPI) records was combined with US census data. Individual practice locations were geocoded to respective counties and census block groups and assigned 2022 National Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) rankings—a multidimensional measure of sociodemographic disadvantage.

Results: Nationally, there were 20,694 audiologists, 177,259 speech-language pathologists, and 295 dual-licensed providers. States with the fewest audiologists per capita included South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, California, and Nevada, while DC, Colorado, Nebraska, Vermont, and Minnesota had the highest. California, Nevada, Iowa, Alabama, and Michigan had the fewest SLPs per capita, while Nebraska, New Mexico, Arkansas, New York, and North Dakota had the most. Notably, counties and census block groups with higher social vulnerability rankings were associated with a greater number of both audiologists and SLPs.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the geographic distribution of the audiology and speech-language pathology workforce in the United States, with variations distinct from those seen in the otolaryngology workforce. While socially vulnerable areas may have adequate workforce, care access and appropriate utilization by vulnerable populations may still be limited. Therefore, efforts must extend beyond workforce recruitment to include targeted outreach and community engagement to ensure equitable access to care.