Our Services

Speech & Language Therapy

What is a voice disorder?

When your voice quality, pitch and volume differs from your normal voice. You may experience a loss of your voice; hoarseness; a strained voice; loss of volume; weakness and breathiness in your voice.

Causes of a Voice problem:

Damage to the larynx (voice box) following an accident or after specific surgery
Throat infection
Acid Reflux
Stress in your work or home environment
Constant throat clearing
Smoking
Working in dusty/smoky environment
Overuse of your voice e.g. at work or shouting

Voice Therapy

An initial assessment by a speech and language therapist will provide a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. This may take the form of advice (identifying the cause of your voice problem and advice on how to reduce their effect) or therapy (this may take the form of voice exercises; posture and breathing techniques). You may also be asked to consult an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant who will examine your larynx (voice box).

Communication

Following a neurological event, some people may experience difficulties in the perception, recognition, comprehension and expression of language that is both written and spoken. In other words, people may lose the ability to understand what is spoken/written or may be unable to talk (express themselves verbally).

Others may experience a speech disorder that may result in slowing, in coordination or altered muscle tone and changes the way speech is produced. Speech may become slurred and difficult to understand. This can be particularly frustrating to the person as they know what they want to say but it may be difficult for others to understand them.

The impact of communication disorders affects the interpersonal relationships, confidence and self esteem of an individual. The speech and language therapist can assess and provide a treatment program that will help regain communicative autonomy.

Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can occur as a result of neurological, structural or psychological conditions. People often have difficulty swallowing food or drink or both. When food or drink goes down the "wrong way", this can result in coughing or choking. This can be quite distressing and may result in a loss of appetite and weight loss.

A speech and language therapist can assess swallowing with various food consistencies and advise on the cause of dysphagia and what food and drinks are the safest to swallow.