Aphonia is the inability to speak due to vocal cords that don’t move properly. Causes include trauma, surgery, cancer, and psychological factors. Treatment options include rest, speech therapy, and alternative communication methods.
Aphonia is the inability to speak. A person with this disorder cannot vocalize and must use means of communication other than the voice. There are a number of reasons people develop aphonia, and there are several treatment options. Treatment may involve a speech therapist; an ear, nose, and throat surgeon; and other medical professionals, such as neurologists.
When people speak, the vocal cords in the throat vibrate to generate the sounds of speech. People with aphonia have vocal cords that don’t move into place and vibrate properly. When they try to speak, no sound comes out. This is different from conditions where people have rough or hoarse voices or have difficulty speaking for neurological or purely psychological reasons.
In a physical exam, a patient with aphonia may be asked to try to talk, as well as cough. The vocal cords will be visualized and the patient will be interviewed to find out more about the onset of aphonia. Trauma to the nerves that control the larynx is a common cause and can also be the result of surgery, physical abuse, or cancer. Sometimes there is a psychological component and some studies have shown that people can develop an inability to speak as a psychological coping mechanism. Other times, the vocal cords are temporarily damaged by smoking, screaming and other activities and will recover if allowed to rest.
Treatments for aphonia may include rest to see if the vocal cords will recover on their own, along with treating tumors and nodules on the vocal cords. If the damage was caused by surgery or trauma, the cords may eventually heal, allowing the patient to speak again. Sessions with a speech therapist can also be helpful. The pathologist can work with the patient to see if some speech faculties can be restored and the throat and vocal cords developed.
If the condition cannot be resolved, a patient may be taught sign language or given other tools for communication such as a notepad. People with speech impairments can become very adept at using other types of communication to carry out their daily activities and interact with other people. It may be helpful to carry cards explaining the situation so that in a busy environment or in an environment where someone is not paying much attention, the patient can easily provide insight into why she is not speaking.
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