If you're experiencing difficulties with your speech or language, or if you're having trouble swallowing, your doctor may refer you to a speech and language therapist. These therapists are highly-trained medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating speech, language and communication disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia.
Common reasons for referral to a speech and language therapist include difficulty with speech sounds, language comprehension and expression, stuttering, voice disorders, social communication difficulties, and difficulty with swallowing. These symptoms can impact your daily life and relationships, and it's important to seek help if you're experiencing them.
During your appointment with a speech and language therapist, they will conduct a thorough assessment of your speech, language or swallowing function, and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may involve speech exercises, language therapy, voice therapy, social communication skills training, or exercises to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing, modifying food and drink consistency, and education on safe swallowing techniques.
With the right care and support from a speech and language therapist, it's possible to manage and treat many speech and language disorders and swallowing difficulties and improve your overall communication abilities and quality of life.
At the Hermitage Clinic, we offer access to speech & language therapists. These specialists can assess, diagnose and treat conditions that affect communication and swallowing.
Who we treat
Speech and language problems may arise as a result of some of the following conditions:
- stroke
- Parkinson's disease
- multiple sclerosis
- motor neurone disease
- dementia
- Alzheimer's
- head and neck cancers
- acute trauma
What to expect
At your consultation, we will review your medical history. A Speech and Language Therapist will then conduct a specialised assessment of the issue you're experiencing. This will help them develop a treatment plan. You may need to be referred for additional tests for us to be able to fully diagnose the issue.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.