Speech therapy

Problems with speech functions include impairments with fluency and rhythm of speech, articulation, and coordination of speech, due to impairments related to brain damage (e.g. stuttering, dysarthria or speech apraxia), or to hearing loss or development disorders. Speech therapy aims to improve the fluency and rhythm of speech, articulation and coordination of speech through, for example, phonological exercises or, if full restoration is not possible, by developing compensatory strategies (e.g. cued speech) to increase speech intelligibility and allow a person to express themselves well through speech. These techniques are practised repetitively and, if feasible, performed self-directed by the patient following education and advice on the appropriate exercises.