VOICE & FLUENCY
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Fluency
Fluency
A fluency disorder is characterized by a disruption in the flow, rhythm, or speed of speech. Stuttering is a disruption in the production of speech sounds and is observed in speech as repetitions (e.g. “c-c-c-cat”), blocks (e.g. “c----at”), and prolongations (e.g. “caaaat”). Apraxia is a disruption in the motor planning of speech; it is a difficulty in sequencing the sounds of speech in successive repetitions. For example, a child attempting to say “pogo” may produce “dodo” on the first attempt and “popo” on the second attempt.
Difficulties with fluency may be lifelong, or they may occur following a stroke or brain injury. A Speech Pathologist can help by teaching specific techniques for promoting fluency, and transforming them into new speech habits through rigorous exercises.
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Voice
Voice
A voice disorder is characterized by a change in the quality, intensity, or pathology of the respiratory tract, which comprises the diaphragm, lungs, larynx, vocal cords, and vocal tract. Symptoms of a voice disorder may include: a breathy, hoarse, strained, or strangled voice quality; constantly sore throats; a volume that is too soft or too loud; an atypically high or low pitch; changes in respiration; gastro-esophageal reflux disease; vocal fatigue from excessive talking or singing.
A voice disorder may occur following damage to the structure, muscles, or nerves of the diaphragm, lungs, or larynx. Medical pathologies that damage the vocal cords, such as polyps or nodules, may contribute to a voice disorder.
A Speech Pathologist can help by providing education, assessment, recommendations, and therapy to help restore patterns of respiration for speech; to improve the quality of the voice or volume; and to modify speech behaviours to support healthy functioning of the vocal cords. A Speech Pathologist can also provide voice confirmation therapy services.
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Resonance
Resonance
A resonance disorder is a pathology in the balance of airflow through the mouth and nose. A resonance disorder generally involves a structural or physiological pathology in the soft palate, which is the soft part found at the back of the roof of the mouth. Individuals with a resonance disorder may sound nasally, tinny, and/or stuffy when they speak. This disorder can occur after a stroke or brain injury, or it can be a congenital component of cleft lip & palate or certain developmental profiles.
A Speech Pathologist can help by providing consult and recommendations for treatment as well as therapy to help restore a balanced quality of speech sounds.