Speech Therapy Glossary
APHASIA: Reduced efficiency in the comprehension and/or expression of language caused by damage to the central nervous system, generally following stroke
APHONIA: Without voice; a consequence of surgical removal of the larynx (usually as treatment for cancer of the neck
CLEFT LIP AND PALATE: Cleft means 'split' or 'separation'. During early pregnancy separate areas of the face develop individually and then join together. If some parts do not join properly the result is a cleft, the type and severity of which can vary.
COCHLEAR IMPLANT: An electrode or electrodes placed in the cochlea and attached to an induction coil buried under the skin near the ear. In association with a unit worn on the body, it provides limited hearing to those who cannot benefit from conventional hearing aids
CONDUCTIVE: A hearing impairment caused by a lesion of the outer or middle ear
DYSARTHRIA: After a stroke or other brain injury, the muscles of the mouth, face, and respiratory system may become weak, move slowly, or not move at all. The resulting speech condition is called dysarthria. The type and severity of dysarthria depends on which area of the nervous system is affected. (ASHA) Dysarthria also occurs in progressive conditions.
DYSFLUENCY: (stammering or stuttering): A communication disorder characterised by excessive involuntary disruptions or blockings in the flow of speech, particularly when disruptions consist of repetitions accompanied by avoidance and/or struggle behaviour.
DYSPHAGIA: Difficulty chewing or swallowing
DYSPHONIA: Hoarse voice
DYSLEXIA: Dyslexia affects the under-lying skills that are needed for learning to read, write and spell.
ENT: Ear, Nose and Throat
HEARING AID: An electronic instrument that amplifies sound for a hearing-impaired user
LARYNGECTOMY: Total or partial removal of the voice box usually due to cancer.
MAKATON: Makaton is a unique language programme offering a structured, multi-modal (signing and symbols) approach for the teaching of communication, language and literacy skills. Devised for children and adults with a variety of communication and learning disabilities, Makaton is used extensively throughout the UK and has been adapted for use in over 40 other countries.
NEURAL: A hearing impairment caused by lesions of the neurons of the auditory part of the cranial nerve VIII
PARKINSON'S DISEASE: A progressive disease characterized by muscle weakness and tremor
PHONOLOGICAL DISORDER: A developmental disorder where a child's speech sound system does not develop to normal patterns.
SENSORY: A hearing impairment caused by lesions of the hair cells in the cochlea.
