Speech Therapist
Speech therapy assessments and treatments address speech disorders, swallowing issues, and communication problems, helping to develop skills such as comprehension, clarity, voice, fluency, and articulation. Speech therapy can treat language impairments in children or adults caused by strokes, brain injuries, or other conditions.
Specialists Central offers assessments for speech disorders, speech therapy, and rehabilitation training services. Our center is staffed with experienced speech therapists who have extensive clinical backgrounds and are equipped with advanced medical technology from Europe and the U.S.
For inquiries about speech therapy fees or to schedule an appointment, please Specialists Central.
Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Also known as articulation disorders, pronunciation issues refer to incorrect sounds that cause speech to be unclear. These problems are often due to congenital physiological defects, such as hearing impairment, cleft lip or palate, or cerebral spasticity. Children may also experience pronunciation issues due to delayed speech development, while adults may suffer from unclear speech due to brain diseases or trauma.
Loss of voice or pitch problems can occur when the vocal cords are overused or improperly used, leading to structural issues such as vocal cord nodules or polyps.
Patients may have difficulty understanding language, struggling with longer or more complex sentences, which can lead to irrelevant responses. They may also have weak sentence organization skills, making it challenging to combine words effectively for expression. Language development delays, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism can contribute to these language issues.
Stuttering is characterized by an inability to speak fluently at a normal pace, often involving repetitions of words or sounds, or pausing without being able to speak. Stuttering can be caused by physiological, neurological, or psychological factors. Research shows that speech therapy is the best treatment for both adults and children who stutter, with substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or frequent choking while eating can prevent safe and effective transfer of food from the mouth to the stomach. In severe cases, this can lead to choking and potentially fatal outcomes. Speech therapy can help address swallowing difficulties through exercises that strengthen the swallowing muscles and train them to work together for better swallowing function.
Language Disorder Assessment and Speech Therapy Services
Language disorder assessment is a complex process. It involves evaluating, describing, and interpreting an individual's communication abilities by integrating various pieces of information collected during the assessment process.
- Voice Therapy (In Close Collaboration with ENT Specialists): Vocal Cord Examination, Voice Assessment, Breathing, and Voice Training
- Language and Communication Skills Training
- Swallowing Disorders: Swallowing Examination, Oral Muscle Function, Swallowing Function Assessment, and Training
- The conditions for examination and treatment offered by the clinic are not limited to those listed above. Before receiving any treatment, please consult a speech therapist for professional advice. If necessary, Specialists Central can provide hospital referral services for patients requiring speech therapy.
The conditions for examination and treatment offered by the clinic are not limited to those listed above. Before receiving any treatment, please consult a speech therapist for professional advice. If necessary, Specialists Central can provide hospital referral services for patients requiring speech therapy.
Speech Therapy Specialist Team
Specialists Central’s team includesspecialists in otorhinolaryngology, audiologists, speech therapists, and experienced nursing staff who provide assessments and treatments for various conditions. Utilizing advanced and precise medical instruments, we are dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate treatment plans for our patients.
Common Questions about Speech Therapy
1. What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy involves activities and exercises designed by speech therapists to help patients with communication or swallowing disorders improve their communication skills or swallowing functions, enabling them to communicate more effectively with others and eat safely, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
2. What situations require speech therapy?
For Children: If parents notice that their child has difficulty expressing themselves or has speech clarity issues compared to peers, it's advisable to have a speech therapist conduct a language assessment to develop a suitable speech therapy plan.
For Adults: Speech therapy may be necessary after experiencing language impairments or swallowing difficulties due to strokes or neurological diseases, or after surgeries affecting the head and neck. Additionally, patients with vocal cord disorders may experience hoarseness, and speech therapists will teach proper voice usage to improve vocal habits and help prevent recurrence of vocal cord issues.
3. Does frequently choking mean swallowing difficulties?
Frequent choking doesn’t necessarily indicate swallowing difficulties; eating too quickly can also cause choking. Choking can be a symptom of swallowing difficulties, so if you have concerns, please contact a speech therapist for a detailed swallowing function assessment.
4. Do I need a referral from a general practitioner to book an appointment with a speech therapist?
You do not need a referral letter from a Western medicine practitioner to access services at EC Healthcare. Individuals in need can directly call our specialist clinic to schedule an appointment for speech therapy services. (Those with health insurance should check with their insurance provider first.)
5. Can I receive speech therapy on the same day?
An appointment is required for our specialist services. You are advised to Contact Us to make an appointment. We will schedule medical consultation for a doctor to understand your condition before arranging appropriate exams and treatment.
6. What are the medical fees? Do specialist clinics accept health care vouchers? Can I pay via medical insurance?
Medical fees are determined based on the severity of the patient’s condition, his/her health status, the complexity of the treatment or surgery received, and the postoperative care services.
Healthcare vouchers: Some doctors and therapists accept healthcare vouchers to cover part of the costs. Please feel free to inquire with us beforehand.
The medical policy and coverage of each patient vary. Please check with your insurer for the claims process, costs and other details before receiving our specialist outpatient services.
