Complete loss of speech or aphonia is the complete loss of the ability to speak. When a person prepares to speak, the vocal cords come together and vibrate due to the airflow from the lungs—this produces the sound of the voice. If the vocal folds cannot meet together to vibrate, sound will not be produced, resulting in aphonia. (Health Communication Network 2007; Children’s Speech Care Centre 2007).
The impact that speech loss can have on a person can be profound. When impairment of speech occurs, a person’s ability to communicate with the world around them does not come easily, and the person and those around them may become frustrated.
Symptoms and characteristics
Aphonia or the loss of speech can be permanent or may vary over time. That is, it may become worse at night, become better after sleep or occur sporadically for no apparent reason (Children’s Speech Care Centre 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are various factors that would assist people with a loss of speech in the workplace. These include:
- providing a suitable job match, such as a job that requires minimal verbal communication with others
- flexibility regarding work hours, particularly if the aphonia only occurs sporadically
- the availability of alternative communication options such as e-mail
- an understanding and supportive work environment.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Children’s Speech Care Centre 2007, Children’s Speech Care Centre, Los Angeles, viewed 30 April 2007, <http://www.childspeech.net/u_iv_b.html>.
Health Communication Network 2007, Health Communication Network, Sydney, viewed 24 April 2007, <http://www.use.hcn.com.au> (secure site).
Healthline 2007, Voice Disorders, Healthline, San Francisco, viewed 19 April 2007, <http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/voice-disorders>.
The Private Speech Pathologists Association of Western Australia 2007, Speech Disorders, The Private Speech Pathologists Association of Western Australia, Perth, viewed 19 April 2007, <http://www.pspawa.com.au/html/speechdisorders.html>.