Stuttering is a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or prolonged, disrupting the normal flow of speech. These speech disruptions may be accompanied by struggling behaviors, such as rapid eye blinks or tremors of the lips. Stuttering can make it difficult to communicate with other people, which often affects a person’s quality of life.

If you or someone you know stutter, contact the office for a complimentary screening to see how our approach can help you.

Contact Sharon by calling 513-451-1551.

Developmental screenings provide a quick and simple way to monitor a child’s healthy development. The earlier a developmental delay or disorder is detected, the better the prognosis for the child.

Cincinnati Speech Services offers complimentary speech and language screenings beginning at age 2.  As school is getting ready to begin, we are offering this service in local daycares and preschools.  

If you or someone you know is interested, contact Sharon at the office by calling 513-451-1551.

Evaluations and therapy sessions are administered by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, who is certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

LSVT is an intensive voice treatment program in which the individual learns to improve loudness, voice quality and variability, and articulation to enhance speech intelligibility.  The program improves both voice and speech by treating the underlying physical pathology associated with the disordered voice.  

Why LSVT works?

Treatment is designed to increase vocal loudness and phonatory effort, resulting in overall speech improvement.  LSVT has also shown an impact on swallowing abilities.

Areas of focus include:

• ·      Vocal fold adduction
• ·      Pitch variability
• ·      Speech articulation
• ·      Loudness of speech
• ·      Intelligibility of speech

“Oral communication is a vital element in education, employment, social functioning and self expression.”

Call today to schedule your LSVT sessions and get your "true voice" back today!

Now accepting new patients for swallowing therapy!

What are swallowing disorders?

Swallowing disorders , also called dysphagia, can occur at different stages in the swallowing process:

• Oral phase -sucking, chewing, and moving food or liquid into the throat

• Pharyngeal phase -starting the swallowing reflex, squeezing food down the throat, and closing off the airway to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway ( aspiration ) or to prevent choking

• Esophageal phase -relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the feeding tube in the throat ( esophagus ) and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach

What are some signs or symptoms of swallowing disorders?

Several diseases, conditions, or surgical interventions can result in swallowing problems.

General signs may include:

• coughing during or right after eating or drinking
• wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking
• extra time or effort needed to chew or swallow
• food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth
• recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating
• weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough

As a result, adults may have:

• poor nutrition or dehydration
• risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway), which can lead to pneumonia 
• less enjoyment of eating or drinking
• isolation in social situations involving eating

How are swallowing disorders diagnosed in the office?

Our speech-language pathologist (SLP), who specializes in swallowing disorders, can evaluate individuals who are experiencing problems eating and drinking. Our specialized SLP will:

• take a careful history of medical conditions and symptoms
• look at the strength and movement of the muscles involved in swallowing
• observe feeding to see posture, behavior, and oral movements during eating and drinking

Contact the office today to schedule your evaluation by calling 513-451-1551.

The feeding program is designed to help children who have a medical oral motor and behavioral issues that impede their feeding and growth. Treatment is geared to help a child overcome feeding issues and establish proper feeding and nutritional habits so that additional health problems can be avoided.

Feeding issues change as children age.  Babies begin to swallow in the uterus in preparation for life.  As infants, difficulties can include latching, insufficient intraoral pressure, and failure to thrive.  Tongue thrust, aversions to certain food textures, and hyperactive gag reflex can make meal time a stressful and even unpleasant experience for children and parents.  Speech therapists can help improve oral tone, reduce sensitivity to different textures, and implement strategies to make mealtime an enjoyable and nutritious event.

When to refer?

 Does the child regularly refuse food at meals

Does the child only eat certain textures?

Does the child only eat a few, highly preferred foods

Does the child often spit out food

Does the child frequently vomit during or after meals

Does the child have difficulty chewing?

Does the child often cry or throw food during meals?

Does the child eat little at meals and snack throughout the day or subsist primarily on  formula/supplements?

  Is (over 18 months) unable to self-feed using fingers or utensils

Does the parent prepare separate meals for the child?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, a referral to a speech-language pathologist and/or occupational therapist is required to increase your child’s feeding skills and abilities.

To make an appointment at Cincinnati Speech Services, LLC or for additional information, please contact Sharon at 513-451-1551 or through email:  info@cincinnatispeech.com