It is estimated that at least 8 million older adults live with a speech, language or hearing disorder, and some may have more than one condition, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. While these conditions are often associated with speech alone, they can also impact cognition, memory, swallowing and the ability to communicate and engage in daily life.

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about the full scope of these disorders and the vital role speech-language therapists in League City play in assessing, diagnosing and treating them. Through personalized care, they help individuals regain function, improve speech and language processing, build safe swallowing skills and reconnect with loved ones.

Understanding How Speech-Language Disorders Affect Communication, Cognition and Safety

Speech-language disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that can affect how a person communicates, thinks and even eats. These may include:

• Speech disorders, such as difficulty producing sounds clearly

• Language disorders, which impact comprehension and the expression of thoughts

• Cognitive-communication disorders that affect memory, attention, problem-solving and the ability to process information

• Dysphagia—a swallowing disorder that can make eating and drinking unsafe

• Voice disorders that alter voice pitch, volume or quality

• Hearing loss that can make it difficult to understand speech and can lead to feelings of isolation, cognitive decline and depression

These challenges can sometimes overlap as a result of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, a traumatic brain injury, dementia or the aging process. Speech-language therapists in League City, Texas, play a critical role in identifying each individual’s needs and creating personalized treatment plans that support communication, safety and overall quality of life.

How Do Speech-Language Therapists at The Heights® of League City Help Seniors with Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders?

Speech-language therapists at The Heights® of League City are trained to evaluate and treat speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders. They assess, diagnose and create personalized therapy plans to address individuals’ specific challenges. They work with those who have experienced strokes or brain injuries, or who have conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, dementia or hearing loss to help them improve speech, language processing, cognition, and safe swallowing.

Treatment will vary depending on the condition or conditions an individual is experiencing, but it can include:

• Exercises to strengthen the mouth muscles.

• Breathing exercises for greater control of the mouth and tongue.

• Perception exercises, such as ones to differentiate between certain sounds and syllables.

• Repeating sounds and practicing correct mouth movements.

• Exercises to make certain sounds and improve the fluency of speech.

• Changing the diet to softer or pureed foods for easier swallowing and eating.

• Help with understanding verbal and social cues and using these measures in everyday life.

• Finding other ways to communicate if needed, such as with a letter or picture board, a communication device, computer-assisted speech or sign language for those with hearing disorders.

As speech-language therapists in League City, TX, treat specific speech, language and hearing conditions, they help older adults experience a higher quality of life by supporting them in reconnecting with family and friends so they feel like they can be part of the conversation instead of feeling isolated. They build confidence in individuals who have struggled to make their voice heard, but can now express their needs, wants and experiences and they help individuals with swallowing disorders enjoy eating safely and regain independence.

Contact us to learn more about our speech-language therapy services in League City, Texas.