Speech is the one of the most important elements of communication and as long as a person is able to speak effectively, he can influence others. However, if the speech disorder takes place then it can really be frustrating for the person.
There can be a number of reasons for speech disorder and following are the 5 most common types of speech disorders that can be found in adults.
- Stuttering
Usually, stuttering starts from childhood which may last whole life and therefore early intervention will be very important to correct this problem. Though exact reason cannot be pinpointed but it can also be a genetic problem too.
Few external factors can also compound this stuttering problem. Speech pathologist can work with adults as well as children to treat this kind of speech problem.
Those who stutter usually work to control the rate of their speech and monitor breathing. Speech can improve over a period of time by practicing such adult speech therapy.
- Apraxia
In people with apraxia their tongue and lips may not be capable of moving in proper way for producing sound. In certain extreme cases, people having apraxia may even be unable to speak.
Usually, apraxia can be caused by dementia, stroke, brain tumour and traumatic brain injuries. Speech pathologist can work with the patient to improve certain muscles so that they can improve their speech.
- Dysarthria
Dysarthria is little different from apraxia, where the speech muscles will be weak because of brain damage. This may lead to imprecise or slurred speech.
As per the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, following diseases will play a very big role in development of dysarthria:
- ALS
- Brain tumour
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
Finding proper treatment will depend upon the underlying causes and severity of dysarthria. Speech language pathologists can work with you and help in slowing down your speech.
Also, one can use your breath for speaking more clearly. Besides, they can concentrate on training your muscles in the mouth, tongue and lips for making them stronger.
- Voice disorders
Many different kinds of voice disorders and also their causes can also be different. Following are few of the voice disorders:
- Hoarseness
People who have to use their voice on a regular basis like singers and teachers can have this kind of problem over a period of time.
- Polyps on vocal cords
Due to this problem in the vocal cords, speech cannot get proper vibration. It may be due to allergy to smoking.
- Spasmodic dysphonia
This condition can occur when vocal folds either spasm or tighten as you speak. Often you cannot speak at all too. Typically, it can cause by your nervous problems or brain disorder.
- Vocal fold paralysis
If your vocal folds cannot move, then it may cause speech difficulties and also serious swallowing and breathing problems. Speech therapy will be needed for such condition.
- Aphasia
Aphasia is also a kind of language disorder which is caused by left side of brain damage and is commonly seen after stroke. This will also make it difficult in speaking, reading and/or understanding what is spoken.