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Speech and Hearing Glossary
Alternative/Augmentative Communication (AAC)
When a speech problem results in the need to support, enhance, supplement or even replace oral communication, alternative systems are available, and speech therapists can train individuals and their caregivers to use the new systems. These alternative systems may include picture boards, notebooks, sign language, computers which use specialized software and synthesized speech, and a wide array of other electronic devices. These devices often need to be activated with a variety of unique switches and pointers (e.g., pointers mounted on a band worn around the forehead).
Aphasia
The loss of speech and language abilities resulting from neurological damage (e.g., stroke or head injury).
Apraxia
Difficulties in articulation of speech and oral/motor programming. This disorder may also result from neurological damage.
Articulation Disorders
Difficulties with the way sounds are formed and strung together, usually characterized by substituting one sound for another (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”), omitting a sound (e.g., “cu_” for “cup”) or distorting a sound.
ASHA
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The national organization which 1) grants accreditation to universities training speech-language pathologists (a.k.a., speech therapists) and audiologists, and 2) certifies speech therapists and audiologists for practice. For more information, visit ASHA's web site.
Delayed or Disordered Language
A marked problem with the understanding and expression of thought and ideas, including vocabulary, grammar, and social use.
Dysarthria
A group of speech problems where sounds may be slurred, and speech may be slow or require unusual effort. The particular speech problems that result will depend on the affected areas of the nervous system. Dysarthria may be the result of stroke, brain injury, tumors, and/or neuromuscular diseases.
Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
Developmental swallowing problems in infants and young children or swallowing difficulties resulting from neurological problems in adults.
Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
An interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech characterized by hesitation, repetitions, or prolongations of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases.
Voice Disorders
Inappropriate pitch (too high, too low, never changing or interrupted by breaks), loudness (too loud or not loud enough), or quality (harsh, hoarse, breathy, or nasal).
Hearing Loss
A congenital or acquired condition resulting in the need for development (habilitiation) or enhancement (rehabilitation) of communication skills through such strategies as lip-reading and auditory discrimination.
Types of Hearing Loss Include . .
Conductive Hearing Loss
A disorder that interferes with sounds being conducted through the outer ear or the middle ear (for example, wax blocking the ear canal, fluid in the middle ear space, or a hole in the eardrum).
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Damage in the inner ear from noise exposure or a tumor on the auditory pathway to the brain. Some distortion of the signal resulting in a misunderstanding of the message or meaningful sound.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
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