Speech therapy

A speech therapist is a specialist dealing with speech and swallowing disorders whose help may be required by people of all ages. In the case of adults, a speech therapist diagnoses speech disorders and restores, corrects, maintains or, if necessary, compensates for speech. A speech therapist assesses the comprehension and production of oral and written speech, speech characteristics (voice, pronunciation, fluency, etc.) and speech-related muscle function. A speech therapist also assesses the swallowing function and provides therapy. In the case of swallowing disorders, there are problems swallowing food or liquids and swallowing may often be followed by coughing or a lumpy feeling in the throat, etc.

People who have lost all or part of their ability to speak as a result of a stroke may need the help of a speech therapist. Speech and swallowing disorders often accompany Parkinson’s disease, for example. Damage to cognitive abilities also affects speech and communication, which in turn affect a person’s ability to cope on a day-to-day basis. A speech therapist can also help in case of any such problems. Working with a speech therapist, it is possible to find ways to maintain speech function and adapt the communication environment.

When should you see a speech therapist?

• Speech disorders caused by a stroke or other diseases
• Speech disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and other progressive diseases
• Pronunciation problems
• Stuttering and other disfluency
• Voice disorders
• Speech problems due to cognitive impairment
• Facial nerve paralysis
• Swallowing disorders

Both speech and swallowing disorders can have a significant impact on people’s ability to manage, their social lives and quality of life. In case of speech or swallowing disorders, consult our speech therapists. Our speech therapists are also available for English speakers.

Aaro Nursi accepts children and young people from the age of 14. You can contact a specialist both with a referral from a family doctor (therapy fund), as a referral from a specialist, and for a fee.