In-Depth Notes on Speech and Respiratory Disorders

Overview of Communication Domains

• Communication Umbrella: Encompasses various domains; key areas include:
  • Hearing
  • Speech
  • Language
  • Cognition

Focused Discussion on Speech

• Today's Topics: Focus on two aspects of speech:
  • Respiration
  • Phonation

Respiratory Disorders

• Common Respiratory Disorders:
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Parkinson's Disease
• Symptoms of COPD:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decreased lung capacity
• Patient Experience: Example presented of a patient experiencing:
  • Breath difficulties during physical activity
  • Utilization of oximeter readings
• Normal Pulse Oximeter Readings:
  • Expected range: 95%-100%
  • Below 90% is concerning

Health Literacy and Management

• Patient Insights: Importance of knowing when to seek specialized care
  • Example of navigating through primary care to a pulmonologist
• Impact of Immediate Solutions: Critique of reliance on quick fixes (e.g., antibiotics)
  • Risks of antibiotic resistance
• Public Perception: Stigmas around respiratory disorders, particularly COPD, and associations with smoking

COPD and Communication

• Effect of COPD on Speech:
  • Reduced loudness and breath support
  • Changes in voice quality
• Societal Perceptions: How individuals with COPD are viewed
  • Misconceptions of being "at fault" for their condition

• Types of Voice Disorders:
  • Structural: Examples include vocal polyps
  • Neurological: Discusses conditions affecting voice through central nervous impacts
  • Functional: Speech issues arising from misuse or overuse
• Vocal Polyps:
  • Causes include long-term vocal stress, overuse, and external factors like smoking
  • Effects on sound quality of the voice
  • Emotional implications of having a voice disorder

Laryngectomy and Communication Methods

• Total Laryngectomy:
  • Primary reason: cancer treatment
  • Major changes in communication post-surgery
• Communication Techniques:
  • Writing, sign language, and augmentative devices such as electrolarynx
• Surgical Options:
  • TEP (Tracheoesophageal prosthesis) to restore speech
  • Esophageal Speech: Direct air swallowing method

Emotional and Social Effects of Speech Disorders

• Societal Stigmas: Perceptions of individuals based on voice changes or disorders
• Emotional Identity: Ties between personal identity and one’s voice
  • Concerns of voice dysphoria in individuals using AAC and electrolarynx devices

Conclusion

• The comprehensive understanding of how respiration and phonation impact life and communication.
• Recognition of societal attitudes towards respiratory and vocal conditions.
• Importance of health literacy in navigating care for speech and communication issues.