Speech Disorders – Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Within the framework of an existing definition of speech disorders, these changes are explained in such a way that they are impairments of the ability to speak that deviate from normality. Speech disorders are popularly referred to as muteness when there is a complete lack of speech ability.

In addition, there are various speech disorders that have become known as so-called stuttering, stuttering , lisping or stammering. Speech disorders are therefore quite diverse and can be associated with various causes and physical conditions. A special group of speech disorders treats the pathological abnormalities under the term aphasia.

causes

The causes that lead to a speech disorder include internal and external factors. In addition to a developmentally delayed expression of the ability to speak, there are also criteria such as impaired vision and hearing. The speech disorders can also be based on diseases of certain areas of the brain or autism .In addition to the physical abnormalities of the anatomy of the functional organs of the speech apparatus, infectious diseases during pregnancy and genetic constitutions can also lead to speech disorders. If speech disorders are diagnosed as a result of other previous illnesses such as a stroke or brain tumors or after accidents and special experiences, it is about aphasia. These are also caused by a reduction in the size of the brain or its diseases.

In addition, dementia , migraines , Parkinson’s disease and advanced arteriosclerosis in the brain tissue all trigger speech disorders. Since speaking is also influenced by developmentally relevant social and psychological components, an unsuitable environment can also contribute to the development of language disorders.

Typical language disorders

• stutter

• Lispeln

• word finding disorder

• Stammer

When to the doctor?

Speech disorders do not in themselves pose a health risk to the body and therefore do not necessarily have to be treated by a doctor. However, most people with speech disorders feel very uncomfortable and ashamed in public. For these reasons, it is advisable to consult a doctor for speech disorders. Unfortunately, the doctor cannot help in all cases.

Speech disorders are often congenital and are difficult to treat in such cases. Treatment does not take place with medication, but takes the form of language training and psychological discussions. Singing or rhyming a certain text often helps to overcome the language disorders.

Children in particular are particularly affected by language disorders. Depression and social exclusion can occur here, which can lead to aggressive behavior in children. A doctor should be consulted in particular if the speech disorders occur suddenly and are not just temporary.

These disorders also often occur in people who grow up bilingually and one of the two languages ​​is neglected. In these cases, it is common for speech disorders to develop. These can be dealt with relatively well with language training. Talking to a psychologist can help to find and eliminate the cause of the speech disorders.

diagnosis and course

In order to initially identify speech disorders, a procedure known as initial diagnostics is carried out. This is based on hearing the affected patients. If aphasia is suspected, a so-called token test is carried out. This can be followed by an Aachen aphasia test. These examinations are supplemented by scientifically proven tests of the ability to perceive and think.

A basic diagnosis of speech disorders also includes clinical examinations, which include an anamnesis of other existing diseases, for example an EEG . Speech disorders in children can already be recognized in preschool age. In this context, the parents and educators, the ear, nose and throat doctor and a speech therapist are required. If speech disorders are present, they are usually clearly audible.

The speech disorders occur when children learn to articulate sounds and have problems speaking from the age of 3. In the case of language disorders, these consist of a bumpy flow of speech, difficulty finding words , avoiding speaking, stuttering or stammering. If there is additional learning and social pressure, the condition of the child’s language disorders usually deteriorates noticeably. Other side effects such as withdrawal behavior and declining school performance are usually added to the speech disorders.

complications

The speech disorders themselves do not lead to any health complications. However, they complicate the patient’s life enormously and can lead to other complaints. First of all, it is not possible for the patient to communicate with other people normally. As a result, self-esteem can also drop if those affected are ashamed of their language disorders. This can be particularly pronounced in children if they are teased or bullied because of the language disorders. As a result, the speech disorders can continue to worsen and lead to other mental health problems.

Speech disorders can be treated either psychologically or directly through training. It doesn’t always have to lead to success. This is especially true if the speech disorders are congenital. In many cases, the patient has to live with this symptom. However, they can be limited and treated through exercise, singing, and reading. There are no further complications during the treatment. Life expectancy is not affected by the speech disorders.

treatment and therapy

In the therapy of speech disorders, it is primarily important to take advantage of speech therapy with the aim of professional language support. This treatment of speech disorders is desirable for both very young and adult patients. Regardless of whether it is a question of developmental language disorders or aphasia, the measures taken can be successful. This means that there is a significant improvement in speaking ability.

Adequate treatments can only be applied in the case of an existing muteness, which depends on the causes and can be treated to a limited extent by hearing aids and regular speech training. If adult aphasia treatment is an option, it aims to relearn how to speak and improve the ability to understand words. The existing speech disorders can be remedied with very simple aids and speech therapy exercises.

Not all existing language disorders are treated in the same way. There are different “behaviours” against stuttering than against lisping. In addition to the special exercise measures, a therapy for speech disorders also includes tricks and tips that are suitable for everyday use in order to provide those affected with an effective remedy.

prevention

The prevention of speech disorders is largely based on recognizing impairments as early as possible. In addition, intact conditions such as a natural and healthy interaction between parents and child as well as a normal environment are important so that speech disorders cannot develop in the child.

Unfortunately, the preventive measures for speech disorders are very limited due to the fact that some of the causes cannot be influenced. If obvious hearing impairments occur, it makes sense to rectify them as quickly as possible in order to reduce or completely eliminate the risk of speech disorders. This also applies to physical abnormalities or deformities of the speech organs, which can result in speech disorders.