West Cork Speech and Language

29/04/2021

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s and it is estimated that there are approximately 12,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Ireland.

Many people with Parkinson’s disease have problems speaking when they first develop the condition and almost all patients (89%) with Parkinson’s will experience problems with their speech and voice at some stage.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Show your support for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland by wearing a Parkinson’s Mask.
https://www.parkinsons.ie/product/parkinsons-masks/

11/02/2021

"Eating, drinking and communicating are core and innate parts of being human… These functions enable us to connect, to be with people and share experiences, central to our cultures and the way we interact with society…We are with people through the toughest, most isolating time. It's the most overwhelming feeling to know how hard an individual has worked and how much opportunity they will have as a result of their treatment.”

Delighted to see speech and language therapists being acknowledged in the media highlighting our importance during the current pandemic.

Spending weeks on a ventilator means many are left unable to talk, eat or drink after coronavirus.

20/01/2021

Hospital can be a scary place at the moment, but if you are unwell or unable to manage at home, your GP or community team will be able to advice you regarding the next step. As a speech and language therapist working in private practice, I will continue to see members of the public as I am classified as an essential worker. Sessions are available via teletherapy and home visits will be considered on a case by case basis. Personal protective equipment will be worn for all home visits. If you are concerned about your communication or swallowing or have concerns about a loved one, you can contact me on 086 4018718.

11/01/2021

Dysphonia or hoarseness occurs for many reasons and an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor will need to view your voice box or larynx to determine the cause. The production of voice is reliant on three factors:
1) Respiration generates the vocal sound
2) Phonation produces the sound
3) Resonance shapes the sound.
Every person’s voice is different and this is down to our individual anatomy, but how we use our voice day to day can also impact on the sound.

Vocal nodules, historically called singer’s or screamer’s nodules, are benign lesions of the delicate tissue of the larynx. Nodules are often compared to callouses on the vocal cords caused by chronic irritation due to misuse of the voice. Certain professions or occupations are at a higher risk of developing vocal nodules, including: teachers, coachers, personal trainers, lawyers, actors and singers. Famously, Julie Andrews had surgery to remove vocal nodules but consequently had to give up her singing career.

Luckily, the human voice can be modified in many ways. Consider all of the spectrum of sounds that we can produce including whispering, speaking, shouting, opera singing, gospel singing and rapping. Voice therapy is an effective method of treating vocal nodules aiming to avoid surgical intervention. Your Speech and Language Therapist can provide you with a programme aiming to minimise behaviours that contribute to hoarseness and restore the quality of your speaking voice. If you would like to discuss a voice therapy referral, feel free to contact West Cork Speech and Language on 086 4018718.

22/12/2020

Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. It can affect both adults and children. In adults, dysphagia can be caused by a large number of medical conditions including neurological conditions, mechanical changes, trauma, metabolic disorders or as a consequence of surgery. As a speech and language therapist working with adults in the community, I most commonly encounter individuals with dysphagia in neurological conditions such as: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia or motor neuron disease. But as our population ages, there can be an increase in comorbidities and with this people can present with dysphagia of an unknown cause. It is the role of the speech and language therapist to determine if dysphagia is present and how it impacts on quality of life.

Symptoms of dysphagia can include:
• Extra time needed to chew or swallow.
• Food, liquid or saliva leaking from the mouth.
• Coughing or choking during, or immediately after, eating or drinking.
• Wet or ‘gurgly’ sounding voice during or after eating or drinking.
• Food sticking in your throat
• Weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat or drink enough.
• Repeated chest infections caused by aspiration i.e. fluids ‘going down the wrong way’.

Speech and language therapists provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Dysphagia management plans focus on maximising swallow safety and the person’s quality of life. With Christmas fast approaching, many people will be shopping for food and planning the Christmas dinner. Christmas is a time when eating and drinking are important and enjoyable activities but mind the turkey! If you notice any difficulties with swallowing over the festive period, you can contact West Cork Speech and Language on 086 4018718.