Speech and language therapy helps treat individuals experiencing difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing, as well as those looking to alter their voice.
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Speech and language therapy (SLT) helps individuals improve their ability to talk and use other language skills such as comprehension, fluency and clarity.
As well as a wide range of communication issues including those affecting speech and voice, the specialist speech and language therapists at One Welbeck also work with individuals experiencing voice difficulties or those seeking voice modification.
SLT can also be provided at OneWelbeck if you have undergone airway surgery that has impacted your ability to swallow normally, or affected your communication.
Speech therapy can help improve your comprehension and expression, enhance vocal quality and have better swallowing function. This in turn can help boost self-esteem, increase independence, and give you a better quality of life overall.
Speech and language therapy may be the right treatment for you if you have problems with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing as a result of:
A neurological impairment or degenerative condition, such as stroke, head injury, Parkinson's disease and dementia
A benign ear, nose and throat (ENT) condition
Head and neck cancer (pre-, during and post-treatment)
Surgery
Tracheostomy
Speech and language therapy can also be helpful if you experience:
Mental health issues
Learning difficulties
Physical disabilities
Stammering
Hearing impairment
Transgender and gender-diverse individuals may also embark on an SLT journey if they wish to change the tone of their voice, to better reflect and align with their identity. In the case of voice feminisation, SLT may be helpful pre- and post-glottoplasty (a type of pitch-raising surgery) to help alter the intonation, loudness and resonance of your voice.
In cases where other treatments are needed in addition to SLT, your consultant may refer you to an ENT specialist, or to a physiotherapist for problems related to the musculoskeletal skeletal system.
At OneWelbeck, a typical SLT session will last between 30 to 50 minutes depending on your condition and symptoms.
In adult patients, speech therapy exercises usually focus on strengthening or rebuilding particular skill sets, such as the coordination between your brain and mouth.
A few examples of speech therapy exercises are:
Tongue and mouth coordination and strength exercises
Reading aloud
Controlled facial movements
Word and memory games
During sessions, your therapist may also work on nonverbal communication with you, such as eye contact, gestures, articulation and pausing.
How long you will need SLT for depends on several factors including your symptoms, their severity, and their cause, whether you have recovered or are recovering from a condition, your age, how often you can attend therapy, and the level of result you’re looking to achieve.
Your specialist consultant will discuss this with you and will recommend the ideal length and frequency of treatment for the best possible outcome.
All our private ENT specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their sub-specialties, providing the highest quality treatment to ensure you receive the best available care.