Speech and Hearing

[LucksAngel28]

As a Speech-Language Pathology (therapy) student, I am constantly exposed to the various types of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders that impair communication and limit the lives of many people (around 14 million in the United States alone). Many do not know that they can be helped, but with proper treatment the impact can be minimized or even eliminated.

Since May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, I encourage each of you to visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website where you can learn about normal speech and hearing, the disorders that can impair communication, and the ways they can be treated!

Feel free to discuss or ask questions about disorders or what speech therapists do! I would be glad to answer questions to the best of my ability, and it is always important to raise awareness! :thumbsup:

 

[Jenn]

I have two boys that go to a speech teacher at their school. They started when they were 4. They are now 8 and 10. My oldest had a lot of ear infections and also didn't start speaking until he was 3. No one could understand him, not even me. My youngest didn't have clear speech either. They are both almost finished now with the programs, still working on their R sounds, but I'm happy with their results. I also had years of speech therapy working on almost all sounds. Now you would never know.

My older son, though, seems to also have swallowing issues as well. He has trouble chewing up food and swallowing it. His cheeks look like my hamster's, always full of food, and he is unable to rid of it. His speech teacher thought maybe he had reverse swallowing, but she has not followed through with finding out. Would this go with the tongue thrust issue he had as an infant? It seems I should get his swallowing figured out. I had never heard of it being an issue before.

 

[LucksAngel28]

I have two boys that go to a speech teacher at their school. They started when they were 4. They are now 8 and 10. My oldest had a lot of ear infections and also didn't start speaking until he was 3. No one could understand him, not even me. My youngest didn't have clear speech either. They are both almost finished now with the programs, still working on their R sounds, but I'm happy with their results. I also had years of speech therapy working on almost all sounds. Now you would never know.

My older son, though, seems to also have swallowing issues as well. He has trouble chewing up food and swallowing it. His cheeks look like my hamster's, always full of food, and he is unable to rid of it. His speech teacher thought maybe he had reverse swallowing, but she has not followed through with finding out. Would this go with the tongue thrust issue he had as an infant? It seems I should get his swallowing figured out. I had never heard of it being an issue before.

Jenn, I'm glad the speech therapy has worked so well! It's always wonderful to hear a success story!

Yes, reverse swallowing is closely related to tongue thrust issues. The tongue pushes against the teeth during reverse swallowing, as opposed to normal swallowing, where the tongue pushes against the roof of the mouth. It sounds like perhaps the incorrect tongue thrust habit was not fully corrected in infancy. If not, it is important to break this habit since repeatedly pushing against the teeth can cause dental/orthodontic problems. Also, if he has difficulty getting the tongue in the correct position for swallowing, it could affect the way he produces his "r" sounds, since both are done with the tip of the tongue up and back in the mouth.

Please remember that I only have a bachelor's degree, and am still a student of this field. However, IMO I would suggest contacting his speech therapist and asking for a full evaluation of his swallowing. Having just completed a semester of practicum in a middle school, I know that speech pathologists in schools usually have a very full caseload, and often do not have a great deal of specialization in swallowing. Also, the disorder must adversely affect the child's education in order to qualify for services in schools. If this is the case, and she feels that it would be worthwhile, she could even refer you to another (private) speech pathologist or a swallow clinic. But, due to his history, I would definitely take the time just to check it out and be sure. And the sooner the better! Good luck! )

 

[Jenn]

Great advice! Thank you so much!

 

[3CsMommy]

Question: I was diagnosed with Tinnitus around age 6, and have a loooooong history of ear and sinus infections (2 a year for over 20 years). Mine manifests as a ringing at approximately a G. Recently however, instead of a constant background ring like I'm used to, there have been times when it suddenly hits, like someone cranked the volume on a stereo. It's often accompanied by seeing stars, dizziness, and pressure behind my eyes, and it becomes very hard to hear anything *but* the ringing. I can get it under control by applying pressure to the tragus(?) (the little nubbin of skin and cartilage at the outer edge of the ear) and taking a lot of deep breaths to combat the dizziness. But most of what I've read says that's not related to tinnitus and that I should have my blood pressure and blood sugar checked. I have, and they're both excellent (118/76 usually, and 'normal' respectively).

Any thoughts?

 

[alpayton]

Question: I was diagnosed with Tinnitus around age 6, and have a loooooong history of ear and sinus infections (2 a year for over 20 years). Mine manifests as a ringing at approximately a G. Recently however, instead of a constant background ring like I'm used to, there have been times when it suddenly hits, like someone cranked the volume on a stereo. It's often accompanied by seeing stars, dizziness, and pressure behind my eyes, and it becomes very hard to hear anything *but* the ringing. I can get it under control by applying pressure to the tragus(?) (the little nubbin of skin and cartilage at the outer edge of the ear) and taking a lot of deep breaths to combat the dizziness. But most of what I've read says that's not related to tinnitus and that I should have my blood pressure and blood sugar checked. I have, and they're both excellent (118/76 usually, and 'normal' respectively).

Any thoughts?

I have one - Ménière's disease.

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp

http://www.american-hearing.org/disorders/menieres/menieres.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menieresdisease.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menieres-disease/ds00535

 

[LucksAngel28]

Question: I was diagnosed with Tinnitus around age 6, and have a loooooong history of ear and sinus infections (2 a year for over 20 years). Mine manifests as a ringing at approximately a G. Recently however, instead of a constant background ring like I'm used to, there have been times when it suddenly hits, like someone cranked the volume on a stereo. It's often accompanied by seeing stars, dizziness, and pressure behind my eyes, and it becomes very hard to hear anything *but* the ringing. I can get it under control by applying pressure to the tragus(?) (the little nubbin of skin and cartilage at the outer edge of the ear) and taking a lot of deep breaths to combat the dizziness. But most of what I've read says that's not related to tinnitus and that I should have my blood pressure and blood sugar checked. I have, and they're both excellent (118/76 usually, and 'normal' respectively).

Any thoughts?

I really have no idea what it could be, although the first thoughts that come to my mind are ophthalmic (optic) migraine (these migraines often occur without the symptom of headache) or severe TMJ disorder. Have you asked your doctor about it? I would suggest trying to get a referral to an ENT. You could try a neurologist or an audiologist, but I would say go to the ENT first because of your history and current symptoms. I've found that in many cases, it is best to go straight to the specialists if you really want answers. Even if they say it's benign, it is still terribly disruptive and frustrating to you and needs to be treated!

Like I said, this is not really my area at all, but based on what I've learned in classes and personal experience, that would be my suggestion. Hope that helps. Good luck! )

ETA: Didn't see Amanda's post when I posted. With Meniere's, the tinnitus is low-pitched and sounds more like an ocean in your ear rather than ringing. Also it is accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ears, and true vertigo (room spinning), not just regular dizziness. If that sounds like you then you would want to go to the audiologist.

 

[alpayton]

Actually, from what I've been exposed to (my ex-MIL has Ménière's disease as well as classes in nursing school), the tinnitus can be any variation of pitches...differing within the same people at different times even.

Something else to keep in mind when dealing with anything ear related - it could be something related to the kidneys or the renal system. Reason - the kidneys and the ears develop at the same time in the womb. Hence the reason so many renal medications have ototoxicity warnings on them. And while we're talking about medications - there are a number of medications that can produce "ringing" in the ears. If you're taking any medications, I'd review these symptoms with the prescribing MD to ensure that's not what's causing the problem.

 

[LucksAngel28]

Actually, from what I've been exposed to (my ex-MIL has Ménière's disease as well as classes in nursing school), the tinnitus can be any variation of pitches...differing within the same people at different times even.

Something else to keep in mind when dealing with anything ear related - it could be something related to the kidneys or the renal system. Reason - the kidneys and the ears develop at the same time in the womb. Hence the reason so many renal medications have ototoxicity warnings on them. And while we're talking about medications - there are a number of medications that can produce "ringing" in the ears. If you're taking any medications, I'd review these symptoms with the prescribing MD to ensure that's not what's causing the problem.

Thanks, Amanda! I was just going off of what my audiology teacher said, so your insight is greatly appreciated! I didn't realize that about the ears and the renal system - I will have to keep that in mind with my kiddos since I work mainly with kids who have developmental issues. I'm always glad to learn something new! )

 

[3CsMommy]

Okay. That gives me a jumping off point. I've had plenty of UTIs through the years, but I also get migraines, that until now I assumed were stress-related. The only Rxs I'm on (an antidepressant and the Nuvaring) I've been on for less than a year, and this was happening well before I started those. Guess I'd better talk to Dr. Randy about a referral to an ENT.

Thank you both.

 

[alpayton]

Thanks, Amanda! I was just going off of what my audiology teacher said, so your insight is greatly appreciated! I didn't realize that about the ears and the renal system - I will have to keep that in mind with my kiddos since I work mainly with kids who have developmental issues. I'm always glad to learn something new! )

Glad my schooling hasn't been for nothing... Here's some other useful info regarding this particular tidbit.

http://www.boystownhospital.org/Hearing/info/genetics/syndromes/ears.asp

 

[LucksAngel28]

That was very interesting! Thanks for the link!