Speech Therapy Can Lead To Better Communication

Communicating Better Through Speech Therapy 

Speech disorders can make it difficult to communicate with others, but there are a variety of treatment options that lessen symptoms. One common treatment plan is speech therapy, which can be customized to your needs or the needs of your child. At Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, we can determine if you or your child would benefit from speech therapy and provide the plan that works best. 

What Is Speech Therapy? 

The goal of speech therapy is to allow patients to gain skills in the areas where they are struggling. Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, evaluate a patient’s speech, language, cognitive, communication and oral/swallowing skills to diagnose speech problems and build a treatment plan based on their needs. 

What Are Common Speech Disorders? 

• Articulation disorders: These cause difficulties pronouncing words correctly. 
• Fluency disorders: These lead to interruptions in the flow of speech. Stuttering is the most common fluency disorder. 
• Voice disorders: These refer to issues with pitch, volume or voice quality. 
• Dysphagia: This refers to difficulty swallowing, which can also lead to trouble speaking. 
• Speech delay:  This condition results in difficulties keeping up with speech and vocabulary skills because of hearing loss, neurological disorders or other conditions. 

What Happens During Speech Therapy? 

Our provider will build a plan for speech therapy around your needs. Common exercises include language intervention activities, which facilitate language development and vocabulary; articulation therapy, which focuses on producing correct sounds and syllables; and feeding and swallowing therapy, which involves tongue, lip and jaw exercises. 

What Are the Benefits of Speech Therapy? 

Speech therapy can treat a variety of disorders. With skills gained in therapy, patients can have more self-confidence and a greater connection to others. Speech impediments can cause frustration, and therapy can help alleviate these difficult emotions. No matter what speech disorder you or your child might be experiencing, our team is ready to support you during treatment. 

How Long Does Speech Therapy Last? 

The duration of speech therapy will depend on the patient’s age, frequency of sessions and extent of their disorder and symptoms. One study found that speech therapy is most effective when it lasts for at least eight weeks.  

Is Speech Therapy a Good Fit for My child or Me? 

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of a speech disorder, speech therapy may be an ideal treatment plan. At Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, our team can determine if speech therapy is the right call for you. Diagnosis and treatment are just a phone call away.