Adult speech impairments involve difficulty with verbal communication, including slurred, stuttered, rapid, and slowed speech. Sudden unusual vocal symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Depending on the underlying cause of your speech impairment, you may also experience symptoms like:
- drooling
- weakened facial muscles
- trouble remembering words
- expressive language deficits
- sudden contraction of your vocal muscles
If you experience a sudden onset of speech impairment, it’s a good idea to receive medical care right away. It may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a stroke, that benefits from early intervention.
There are many different types of speech impairment and speech disorders, including:
- apraxia (AOS), which is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for someone with the condition to say what they want to say correctly
- dysarthria, which is slurred or choppy speech
- spasmodic dysphonia, which can cause your voice to be hoarse, airy, and tight
- vocal disturbances, which are changes in the sound and ease of your speech caused by any factor that changes the function or shape of your vocal cords
Different types of speech impairment are caused by different things. For example, you may develop a speech impairment because of:
- stroke
- traumatic brain injury
- degenerative neurological or motor disorder
- injury or illness that affects your vocal cords
- dementia
Depending on the cause and type of speech impairment, it may occur suddenly or develop gradually.
Apraxia
Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) is usually seen in adults but can happen at any age. It’s most commonly caused by an injury that damages the parts of the brain responsible for speech.
Common causes can include:
- stroke
- traumatic head injury
- brain tumor
- neurodegenerative diseases
Dysarthria
Dysarthria can occur when you have trouble moving the muscles of your:
- lips
- tongue
- vocal folds
- diaphragm
It can result from degenerative muscle and motor conditions including:
Other potential causes include:
- stroke
- head trauma
- brain tumor
- Lyme disease
- facial paralysis, such as Bell’s palsy
- tight or loose dentures
- alcohol consumption
Spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia involves involuntary movements of your vocal cords when you speak. This condition may result from abnormal brain functioning. The exact cause is unknown.
Vocal disturbances
Your vocal cords and ability to speak can be negatively affected by a variety of activities, injuries, and other conditions, such as:
- throat cancer
- polyps, nodules, or other growths on your vocal cords
- the ingestion of certain drugs, such as caffeine, antidepressants, or amphetamines
Using your voice incorrectly or for prolonged periods of time can also result in a hoarse vocal quality.
If you experience a sudden onset of impaired speech, seek medical attention right away. It might be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition, such as a stroke.
If you develop impaired speech more gradually, make an appointment with your doctor. It may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Unless your speech impairment is caused by using your voice too much or a viral infection, it probably won’t resolve on its own and may worsen. It’s important to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
To diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely start by requesting a complete medical history and evaluating your symptoms.
Your doctor will also likely ask you a series of questions to hear you talk and assess your speech. This can help them determine your level of comprehension and speaking ability. It can also help them learn if the condition is affecting your vocal cords, your brain, or both.
Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may order one or more tests, such as:
- studies of the head and neck using X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans
- electrical current tests
- blood tests
- urine tests
Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your speech impairment. It may involve an evaluation by a:
Your doctor may refer you to a speech-language pathologist who can teach you how to:
- conduct exercises to strengthen your vocals cords
- increase vocal control
- improve articulation, or vocal expression
- expressive and receptive communication
In some cases, they may also recommend assistive communication devices. For example, they may advise you to use an electronic device to translate typed messages into verbal communication.
In rare cases, you may need surgery or other medical procedures.
Apraxia
Occasionally, acquired AOS can go away on its own, which is known as spontaneous recovery.
Speech therapy is the main treatment for AOS. This treatment is customized to each individual and typically takes place one-on-one.
In severe cases of AOS, learning hand gestures or sign language may be encouraged as alternative forms of communication.
Dysarthria
If you’re diagnosed with dysarthria, your doctor will likely encourage you to undergo speech therapy. Your therapist may prescribe exercises to help improve your breath control and increase your tongue and lip coordination.
It’s also important for your family members and other people in your life to speak slowly. They need to give you ample time to respond to questions and comments.
Spasmodic dysphonia
There’s no known cure for spasmodic dysphonia. But your doctor can prescribe treatments to help manage your symptoms.
For example, they may prescribe botulinum toxin injections (Botox) or surgery to your vocal cords. This may help reduce spasms.
Vocal disorders
If you’re diagnosed with a vocal disorder, your doctor may advise you to limit the use of your vocal cords to give them time to heal or prevent further damage.
They may advise you to avoid caffeine or other drugs that can irritate your vocal cords. In rare cases, you may need surgery or other medical treatments.
Some types and causes of adult speech impairment are impossible to prevent. But you can take steps to lower your risk of developing other types of impaired speech. For example:
- Don’t overuse your voice by screaming or placing stress on your vocal cords.
- Lower your risk of throat cancer by avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke.
- Lower your risk of brain injury by wearing a helmet when riding your bike, protective gear when playing contact sports, and a seatbelt when traveling in motor vehicles
- Decrease your risk of stroke by exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
- Limit your consumption of alcohol.
If you develop unusual vocal symptoms, seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve your long-term outlook and help prevent complications.
Ask your doctor for more information about your:
- specific condition
- treatment options
- outlook
If you’re diagnosed with a speech or vocal disorder, always carry an identification card with the name of your condition.
Also, keep your emergency contact information in your pocket at all times. This can help you prepare for times when you may not be able to communicate your health condition and needs to others.