A lisp is a speech impediment that causes difficulty pronouncing sibilant letters, often resulting in a “th” sound. It can be caused by physiological or psychological factors and can be treated with the help of a speech therapist. Different types of lisps require different treatments, and it’s important to see a doctor if it continues beyond the age of five or if it starts later in life.
A lisp is a form of speech impediment in which someone has difficulty pronouncing sibilant letters such as S and Z. These letters tend to come up with a “th” sound in someone with the condition; the word “cats”, for example, would sound like “cats”. In addition to causing communication problems, this speech impediment can also cause psychological problems, because people with a lisp are often mocked or stigmatized. If a lisp is caught early, it can be treated with the assistance of a speech therapist.
The cause of this speech impediment can vary. In some cases, the cause is physiological and the patient has some sort of deformity or medical condition that causes the condition. For example, a child with swollen adenoids may tend to lisp, as can people who have recurring stuffy noses. Most commonly, this condition appears to be psychological in origin and often emerges as a reaction to stress. Children may start to stutter, for example, to get attention, or someone may develop one after a traumatic incident. Often the cause is unknown.
There are several types of lisp, each of which is treated in different ways. One of the best known forms is the frontal bone, caused by the pressure of the tongue against a space left by the missing teeth. Many young children have them during development, though they often go away without intervention. In another type, the palatine lisca, the tongue presses against the palate when the patient makes hissing sounds, resulting in the classic “th” sound.
A bone can also be caused by pressing the tongue against the teeth, in a form called a dental bone. If someone ties by saying “sea” with their tongue pressed against their front teeth, they’ll know what it sounds like. A patient may have lateral lisp, in which air flows around the sides of the tongue because it is held in the position used to make an L sound. This may feel very moist and soft.
Up until about the age of five, bruises are fairly common in children and aren’t a cause for concern. If it continues beyond this age, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. A doctor should also be consulted for older people who have started to hover. In addition to recommending a good speech therapist, a doctor can also rule out any physical causes or treat them.
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