What is Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) or Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
Whats is Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction?
Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) or Vocal Fold Dysfunction the abnormal closure of the vocal folds during respiration, most commonly when breathing in, in response to a trigger. When the trigger is due to exercise, it is called Exercise Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO). It is often mistaken for Asthma or other illnesses related to respiratory conditions.
What are the symptoms of Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction?
The symptoms tend to vary between people. You may present have sudden breathlessness that comes on quickly which may be due to a certain trigger. You may have a wheeze on your in-breath. You may experience throat symptoms of discomfort and voice changes. There may also be a chronic cough, a sensation of swallowing difficulties and a choking sensation.
What are the causes of inducible laryngeal obstruction?
There any many causes that have been identified such as post-nasal drip, reflux, irritants and temperature changes (ILO). When it is triggered by exercises this is called EILO.
Who treats Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction?
Diagnosis is typically managed by a team. This team might include respiratory consultants, ENT, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists with a specialist interest in airways, Pulmonologists and Psychologists
How can a Speech Therapist help Induced Laryngeal Obstruction?
Clinical Specialist Speech Therapists play a crucial role in the management of Induced Laryngeal Obstruction. They can teach you rescue breathing strategies, throat and upper airway relaxation, throat care advice for a healthy larynx and behaviour change techniques.
We are Clinical Specialist Speech Therapists in Induced laryngeal Obstruction with a Specialist Interest in Airway Disorders.
How can reflux affect the Voice?
Muscle Tension dysphonia (MTD) and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux often co-occur. We see clients that may have not responded to medications. Voice therapy can boost the recovery period and is essential to reduce discomfort and overcome damaging behaviours
How does reflux affect the voice ?
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) is also known as ‘silent reflux’ because many people do not show any symptoms such as heartburn commonly associated with reflux.
What is laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
Stomach juices are made up of digestive acids. Some of these juices can travel up the oesophagus, spill into the throat, affecting the voice. This is called laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR). This causes hoarseness. Additional symptoms are throat clearing, a sore dry throat, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, a feeling of phlegm in the throat, chronic cough or excessive burping. A lump in the throat sensation called ‘Globus’ is a common symptom.
How is laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnosed?
An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor uses a small thin camera that is passed through your nose, to view your larynx or voice box. This is called an endoscopy. Our Voice therapist will ask you about your symptoms and often use a short questionnaire to identify your symptoms.
How is Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated?
It can be treated by medications to treat stomach acid, through dietary changes working with our team of Voice Therapists, and occasionally surgery.
How can a Speech Therapist help with reflux?
Muscle Tension dysphonia (MTD) and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) often co-occur. We see clients that may have not responded to medications, and alleviate symptoms often attributed to LPR. Voice therapy can boost the recovery period and is essential to reduce discomfort and overcome damaging behaviours
Our Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
Is Stuttering caused by Anxiety ?
We now know the cause of stuttering is not due to anxiety. Rather, it is regarded as having a neurological cause - differences have been found in areas of the brain involved in talking for those who stutter compared with those who do not stutter. In addition, stuttering has a genetic or hereditary component and tends to run in families.
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as a worry or fear that can be mild or severe. Everyone can feel anxious in situations such as giving presentations, an oral exam or going for an interview. These anxious feelings are normal. Anxiety is not always ‘bad’. It can make us feel uncomfortable but it is also a really important function - we should feel anxious when we have an exam coming up as anxiety motivates us to study. Anxiety motivates us to prepare and take action. It is sometimes confused with excitement. Anxiety becomes difficult when it stops allowing you to do the things you enjoy in life and affects you everyday.
In the past, stuttering was thought to be due to psychological factors such as anxiety. We now know the cause of stuttering is not due to anxiety. Rather, it is regarded as having a neurological cause - differences have been found in areas of the brain involved in talking for those who stutter compared with those who do not stutter. In addition, stuttering has a genetic or hereditary component and tends to run in families.
Do I stutter because I am an anxious? Am I anxious because I stutter?
Research has shown us that pre-school children who stutter show no difference in shyness or anxiety compared with pre-school children who do not stutter. People who stutter are no different to people who do not stutter in terms of their personalities. However, research has shown that as a group people who stutter present with higher levels of anxiety and are more likely to present with social anxiety disorder compared with people who do not stutter. The age at which anxiety symptoms begin to appear is not yet clear, however some studies have suggested that higher anxiety is shown in stuttering children from the age of 7 years and increases over time.
Indeed, it is not surprising that stuttering is associated with increased levels of anxiety. The experience of stuttering is often difficult and people who stutter describe having a variety of negative emotional reactions to their talking including feelings of embarrassment and shame. They can also experience negative reactions to their stuttering from others. We know that children who stutter are more likely to be bullied and to be viewed negatively by their peers and adults describe stigma and discrimination both socially and in their place of work. The anxiety demonstrated by people who stutter is regarded as being the result of living with stuttering and is not the cause of stuttering. You don’t stutter because you are an anxious person.
How does anxiety or nervousness impact stuttering?
Although people vary, we know that when someone is feeling anxious or nervous, they tend to stutter more. You might be feeling anxious about stuttering in front of others or concerned about how your listener will react, or what they will think if they hear you stutter. When we feel anxious or nervous, it is usually because we are expecting the worst to happen. You might be saying things to yourself like “I won’t be able to say my name” or “They’ll think there’s something wrong with me” This may lead you to tense your muscles, may distract you from focusing on what you want to say as you try hard either to be fluent or to hide your stuttering. This can all lead to more stuttering. You may feel like you have suddenly started stammering. It is important to remember that while you may stutter more when you are feeling anxious or nervous, these feelings are not the cause of stuttering.
How can Speech and Language Therapy help with Stuttering?
We know that learning more about your stuttering and what influences it can reduce your anxiety about it. Speech and Language Therapy can be effective in reducing the impact that stuttering is having on your day to day life. You can develop your confidence to communicate, learn how to respond differently to your thoughts and feelings about stuttering and to learn strategies to make talking easier and more comfortable.
Stuttering does not have to hold you back.
We are Clinical Specialists in Stuttering and are very happy provide you with more information regarding our reasonably priced fees via email.
What is Aphasia Therapy?
There are two types of therapy – impairment and functional therapy. Impairment based therapy is usually repeated exercises based on your goals using books or apps. Functional therapy is the focus on real life goals that reflect your everyday communication interactions with others. This might involve training family members in supportive communication skills. As therapists, its important to work on both aspects to support your communication skills
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is when a person has difficulties with their language (understanding, speaking, reading and/or writing) typically as a result of a stroke or brain injury.
What is Aphasia therapy?
Typically, Aphasia Therapy starts with an assessment of your language. Language can be complex so its important for us to identify your strengths, in order to improve the areas you find difficult. We used standardised communication Aphasia assessments that assess understanding, talking, reading and writing. We discuss the results of these assessments to help you and your loved ones understand your communication difficulties. We provide advice on the best ways to support communication.
Why is Goal setting important in Aphasia therapy?
Many of us set goals in our lives. It might be on new years day when we set a goal to stop eating quite so much chocolate, during sport or part of our working lives. Following a stroke, goals are shown to improve motivation and mood.
Goal setting is a process when we get to know what is important to you as a person, what you might be finding difficult and the impact of your Aphasia. We can involve partners in this process to make it easier. These goals might be remembering family names, using the phone to order a taxi or writing emails. We are all individuals and our goals are unique to each of us.
What is the best therapy for Aphasia?
There are two types of Aphasia Therapy – Impairment and Functional therapy. Impairment based therapy is usually repeated exercises based on your goals, using paper resources or apps. Functional therapy is the focus on real life goals that reflects your everyday communication interactions with others. This might involve training family members in supportive communication skills. It is important to work on both aspects to support your communication.
Does Aphasia improve with therapy?
The treatment for Aphasia is with Speech and Language Therapy. Research shows that Speech Therapy is effective for people with Aphasia following a stroke, compared to no therapy. Research also shows that Aphasia Therapy Online is as effective as face-to-face Aphasia Therapy. You or your family member need to understand to be able to engage in online therapy - we can discuss this further in the free consultation.
How can you help someone with Aphasia?
After an assessment, a Speech Therapist will be able to give you specific advice about the best ways in which to communicate.
Below is some general guidance:
Give the person plenty of time to respond. If a person with Aphasia feels rushed or pressured to speak they may become anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate.
Use short, uncomplicated sentences.
Do not change the topic of conversation too quickly.
Avoid finishing a person's sentences or correcting their errors.
Reduce distractions.
If you don't understand something a person with Aphasia is trying to communicate, don't pretend you understand.
Use visual references, such as pointing, gesturing and objects, to support their understanding.
If they're having difficulty finding the right word, prompt them – ask them to describe the word, think of a similar word, try to visualise it, think of the sound the word starts with, try to write the word, use gestures, or point to an object.
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Aphasia. Arrange a free 15 minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com
Can Dysarthria be treated?
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Treatment depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Online Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder that can become worse over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, Speech Therapy can support with strategies and assistive devices in these circumstances.
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Speech Therapy Treatment for Dyarthria depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder, that worsens over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, in these circumstances, Speech Therapy can also support you with strategies and assistive devices.
For Dysarthria due to Parkinson’s disease, there are recommended intensive treatments called Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) or Speak out! We have trained and certified clinicians that can provide both treatments.
What Assessments do you use in Dysarthria?
We typically start treatment with a standardised assessment for Dysarthria. These assessments look at different aspects of your speech such as your breath support for speech, volume, intonation, voice and how clear your speech is to a listener. It is important to complete an assessment to identify the areas that are impacting on your speech so that we can focus on improving these specific impairments.
What is Goal setting in Dysarthria?
We discuss with you how your Dysarthria is impacting on your day-to-day life and set personal meaningful goals to improve your speech. Goal setting is proven to improve motivation for therapy and mood. These goals will be realistic, achievable and will be reviewed after a short block of therapy.
Dysarthria Therapy may include
- Working with you and your loved ones to make communication easier
- Exercises focusing on improving the clarity of your speech
- Alternative ways of communication to support your speech
- Biofeedback of recordings to raise your awareness of your speech
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Dysarthria & Voice treatments. Arrange a free 15 minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com
How can a Speech and Language Therapist help with dysphagia?
Speech and Language Therapy can people with dysphagia by:
· Changing the foods and fluids people drink to be safer and/or more comfortable.
· Improving the swallow through rehabilitation exercises.
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical name for swallowing difficulties.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
Signs of swallowing difficulties when eating and drinking are coughing, a wet voice, foods sticking in the throat, holding food in the mouth or difficulty chewing.
What are the risks of dysphagia?
People may have recurrent chest infections, weight loss or become dehydrated.
Who does dysphagia affect?
It can affect people with a neurological diagnosis such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis and following head injuries. It can also affect people with head and neck cancer.
How can Speech and Language Therapy help dysphagia?
Speech and Language Therapy can help by
Changing the foods and fluids people drink to be safer and/or more comfortable.
Improving the swallow through rehabilitation exercises.
Recommending specialist cups or straws
Providing training to family members and clients.
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Dysphagia. We are trained in Videofluoroscopy ( a swallow assessment using x-rays) and FEES ( a swallow assessment by endoscopy). We are additionally trained in the McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program for chronic Dysphagia.
Should I tell my job interviewer that I stutter?
Should I tell my interviewer prior to the interview that I stutter?
You may have thoughts regarding whether you should tell your employer whether you stutter. By telling the employer beforehand, this might reduce the pressure you feel in the interview. This is called self-advertising. We can discuss the pros and cons of this in your therapy session.
We see many people embracing change and applying for new jobs. They are often thinking about the impact the stutter might have on the interview. Its important to remember that you have been invited to interview because they have been impressed by your CV or application – you have met all the essential criteria.
Its also important to remember communication skills are not just about fluency – employers are looking for an ability to listen, problem-solve, be positive, work in a team and be flexible. They will often ask for examples of these skills within the interview questions. Many people who stutter are exceptional communicators – try to focus on your strengths.
There are also some practice interview events for people who stutter such as 50 Million voices
https://www.50millionvoices.org/
Should I tell my interviewer prior to the interview that I stutter?
You may have thoughts regarding whether you should tell your employer whether you stutter. By telling the employer beforehand, this might reduce the pressure you feel in the interview. This is called self-advertising. We can discuss the pros and cons of this in your therapy session. You can additionally ask the employer for adjustments such as extra time. There is more information regarding this on Stammering Law
https://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/employment/recruitment-promotion/should-i-tell-employer-i-stammer/
What jobs can I do with a stutter?
You are not limited by the stutter. You can do any job. We treat people that are working successfully as teachers, psychologists, actors, radio presenters and many more professions that require public speaking.
If you are not offered a job, it is useful to request feedback from your employers. Some people who stutter may assume it is because of the stutter that they are not offered the job. However, there is a set marking criteria that interviewers use and they can give you the ideal answers to support you in future interviews. This may help increase your confidence as most interviewers are keen to give positive feedback.
Speech Therapy can support you in preparation for an important job interview – to increase your confidence so that you are able to relax and perform your very best.
Here is some additional advice for interviews or employment:
Insider secrets from a human resources professional who stutters
https://westutter.org/wp-content/uploads/ace_your_next_job_interview_july2019.pdf
Reasonable adjustments for people who stutter
https://stamma.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/19%20Reasonable%20Adjustments%20at%20work.pdf
Resources for employers
https://stamma.org/resources/professionals/employers
Why is my voice so high?
High pitch voice after puberty in males is called Puberphonia. Typically, the vocal folds are normal upon examination with a camera (endoscopy) that views the larynx. You may feel that you voice has never broken and lacks power. Your voice may feel effortful and sometimes painful.
What causes high pitch voice in males?
During puberty, the male voice breaks and drops an octave. When a High pitch voice persists after puberty in males is called ‘Puberphonia’. Typically, the vocal folds are normal upon examination with a camera (endoscopy) that views the larynx. You may feel that you voice has never broken and lacks power. Your voice may feel effortful and sometimes painful. You may be able to produce a deep voice but are unable to sustain it for long periods.
Why is my voice so high?
Your larynx is being held high due to inappropriate use. Puberphonia is habitual and can be treated effectively with Voice Therapy. Voice Therapy can also improve your comfort when speaking.
What does Puberphonia sound like?
High pitch voice that does not match your age
Pitch breaks
Difficulty projecting your voice
Laryngeal Muscle Tension
How do I get a deep voice?
The results of Online Voice Therapy for Puberphonia are excellent. Puberphonia Treatment is shown to be successful in achieving a deep voice if you have the desire to change your voice. Most people require 6-8 once weekly sessions following an assessment. Voice Therapy for Puberphonia focusing on lowering your pitch, reducing tension and improving projection and stamina.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
What is Aphasia?
Frequently asked questions about Aphasia
How is aphasia caused?
Aphasia is caused by damage to the language areas of the brain. In most people, this is typically the left hand side of the brain. It is most commonly caused by a stroke or a brain injury. It can also be caused by progressive disorders such as brain tumors.
How does aphasia affects communication?
It can affect a persons understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Symptoms can vary in severity from people not being able to express themselves by any means, to milder symptoms of a delay in accessing words. However, even mild symptoms can have an impact on peoples confidence requiring Speech Therapy.
Does aphasia go away?
It depends on the cause and severity of the aphasia. If it is caused by a brain injury and stroke, it is likely to improve. If it is caused by a progressive disorder this is means that it will unfortunately not improve.
Can aphasia be cured?
Speech therapy aims to restore a persons language through exercises but also support them
Can Aphasia be treated?
The treatment for Aphasia is with Speech and Language Therapy. Evidence shows that Speech Therapy is effective for people with Aphasia following a stroke, compared to no therapy.
How can you help someone with Aphasia?
After an assessment, a Speech Therapist will be able to give you specific advice about the best ways in which to communicate.
Below is some general guidance:
Give the person plenty of time to respond. If a person with Aphasia feels rushed or pressured to speak they may become anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate.
Use short, uncomplicated sentences.
Do not change the topic of conversation too quickly.
Avoid finishing a person's sentences or correcting their errors.
Reduce distractions.
If you don't understand something a person with Aphasia is trying to communicate, don't pretend you understand.
Use visual references, such as pointing, gesturing and objects, to support their understanding.
If they're having difficulty finding the right word, prompt them – ask them to describe the word, think of a similar word, try to visualise it, think of the sound the word starts with, try to write the word, use gestures, or point to an object.
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Specialists in Aphasia. Feel free to book a free consultation or email us for further information.