Speech & Swallow Rehabilitation

Speech Pathology is a speciality which deals with the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders. These are usually caused by brain damage/trauma/stroke, cancer, infection, birth anomalies or associated with surgical complications in paediatric, adult and geriatric population.

Both adults and children can be affected by speech disorders. Timely diagnosis and suitable treatment are the recommended ways to manage these conditions. These disorders can be a result of post-traumatic experiences, neurological or developmental conditions.

The causes may include;

Strokes

Neurological disorders

Vocal cord paralysis

Muscle weakness

Respiratory weakness

Nodules on the vocal cords

Dementia

Oral cancer

Autism

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Cleft Palate

Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, the treatment can vary. The two types of treatment options mainly include speech therapy exercises to familiarize with words and sounds. The second type is physical exercises for strengthening the vocal muscles.

Diagnosis of Speech Disorders: What to expect?

Speech therapists can recommend several tests based on the type and severity of the condition. Delayed treatment can slow the success rate of the recovery process. It is best to reach out for treatment at the earliest. Some of the procedures that the doctor can recommend include;

Denver Articulation Screening Exam

This test is mainly conducted on children between the age group of 2 to 7 to diagnose articulation disorders. DASE is a five-minute test that evaluates the clarity in pronunciation.

Early language milestones scale 2

This particular test is conducted to identify language disorders and any signs of delayed speech.

Peabody picture vocabulary test

This test was established in the year 1959 and has been revised several times since its inception. The test evaluates a person’s vocabulary and his/her ability to speak. The person is made to listen to words and choose pictures that best describe them.

The treatment and recovery period from speech disorders largely depends on the severity of the condition. Speech disorders can also lead to other experiences such as embarrassment, anxiety or depression. In such cases, speech therapies may have to be combined with talk therapies for better support.

Our services include a complete assessment of these disorders using the most technologically advanced instrumentation.

Scope of Services

Specialities include Oncology - Head and Neck Oncology, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, GI Surgery, Haematology, Medical and Radiation Oncology.

Trauma - Neuro, ENT, Paediatric and Maxillofacial

- Neuro, ENT, Paediatric and Maxillofacial Developmental - Paediatric & ENT Degenerative Neurological Disorders

- Paediatric & ENT Degenerative Neurological Disorders ICU - Cardiac, Neuro, Medical & Surgical, Paediatric and Neonatal

- Cardiac, Neuro, Medical & Surgical, Paediatric and Neonatal Syndromes - Genetics, Paediatrics & Cranio-Maxillo Facial

Services & Facilities, Diseases & Treatments

Speech therapy- Degenerative Disorders, Strokes, Stammering, Fast Speech, Mispronunciation & Unclear Speech

Voice therapy- Vocal Abuse, Misuse, Vocal Cord Pathologies, Cancer, Clefts. Video Laryngoscopy, Nasal Endoscopy and Video Fluoroscopy

Language therapy- Stroke, Delayed Speech, Autism, Syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing Loss (Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aids)

Swallow therapy- Laryngomalacia, Trauma, Strokes, Tumors in children, Cancer, Stenosis, Trauma, Stroke, Degenerative Disorders, Clefts, Syndromes. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Swallow Test, Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Test

Areas of Special Interest

Alaryngeal Speech following Laryngectomy

Speech & Swallow Rehabilitation following Head and Neck Cancers

Voice Care - Professional voice users (Singers, actors, radio jockeys, teachers, salesman, clergy, politicians, police officers, IT professionals, bus conductors)

Speciality Clinic Details

Voice & Swallow Clinic - Every Wednesday

Stoma Clinic - Every Wednesday

Laryngectomy & Glossectomy Clinic – once a month

Medical Education & Research

Ongoing PhD projects & research publications on speech and swallow pathology

Internship training for Speech Pathology & Audiology students from various institutions

Unit Activities

Social initiatives- Free speech & hearing camps

Public Awareness Campaigns- World Voice day, Cancer Survivors day

Mass media Initiative - Television programmes on local and national television

Scientific presentations at various national and international forums

Speech And Swallow Rehabilitation FAQ's