Speech & Language Therapy
The Speech and Language Therapists working in Beacon Hospital are highly qualified with extensive experience working with adults with a wide range of speech, swallowing, language and voice disorders.
What is Speech & Language Therapy?
A Speech and Language Therapist assesses, diagnoses and treats any speech, voice, language or communication impairment or any difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing which is presenting as a secondary issue to an underlying medical condition.
After an in-depth assessment is completed, a suitable intervention will be offered to the patient. As part of the service, education to family members and carers will also be provided.
Our facilities for both in and outpatients also include videofluroscopy (Swallow x-ray) service, click to download a referral form for videofluoroscopy and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) service, click to download a referral form for FEES.
Contact:
Who Do We Work With?
We provide high quality assessment and treatment for all adults who struggle and suffer with the wide range of communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
Some of the client groups Beacon Hospital work with include:
• Stroke
• Dementia (eg. Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Head Injury
• Voice Disorders
Our Speech & Language Therapists Specialise In:
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Voice Disorders
Voice disorders may include any problem with pitch, volume, tone and/or other qualities of the voice. This simply happens when the voice cords don’t vibrate in the usual format.
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Motor Speech Disorders (Dysarthria)
Often described as slurred speech this is defined as slow, imprecise and distorted speech that is the result of weakness, paralysis, spasticity, or the inability to control or coordinate the muscle used during speech.
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Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Those who suffer from Dysphagia feel a sensation described as ‘food sticking’ on its way down the oesophagus or difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
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Language Disorders (Aphasia)
This is a language disorder which occurs in a person who suffers from brain damage. Language skills reside on the left-hand side of the brain. If this side comes under threat through brain damage, it may lead to language problems resulting in difficulty to speak, read or write.
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Other Speech & Language Therapy Services:
- Videofluroscopy assessment and analysis
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES)
- Formal assessments of language (speaking/understanding/reading/writing)
- Swallow assessment and management
- Voice assessment and therapy
- Speech assessment and therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get referred to Speech & Language Therapy?
To make an appointment, please call us on 01-293 6692. Alternatively email us at [email protected]
A videofluoroscopy requires a medical referral as it is a radiological procedure. An Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor needs to examine your vocal cords before we can commence voice therapy.
For all other swallow, speech and language sessions, no medical referral is required. Click to download the videofluoroscopy referral form.
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How much will Speech & Language Therapy cost?
- Speech and Language Therapy Initial Assessment / Consultation: €130
- Speech and Language Therapy Review: Between €65 – €95 depending on the length of session
- Videofluoroscopy procedure and analysis: €350
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) procedure & analysis: €380
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What will happen in my first assessment?
The Speech and Language Therapist will take an in-depth case history of your presenting speech/ language/voice or swallowing problem.
You will then have an assessment and a therapy plan will be made.
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How many sessions will I need?
After an SLT assessment, your Speech and Language Therapist will determine how many therapy sessions you will require.
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What is a Videofluroscopy?
Videofluoroscopy is an x-ray of your swallow. This is carried out in the Radiology department. A Radiologist (doctor) and Speech and Language Therapist will be present for the assessment.
You will be given various types of food and drink and your swallow function will then be seen on a moving x-ray. The food and drink will be mixed with a white powder called barium. This is so we can see the food on x-ray. You do not need to fast for this assessment.
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What is Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES)?
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) is a swallow test that involves passing a camera through the nose to observe and record the throat during the swallow.
Small amounts of different types of foods and drinks are given to the person to swallow. Different strategies and techniques can be trialled to help you swallow more efficiently.
For more information, please read our Patient Information Leaflet on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES).
Our Speech & Language Therapists:
Departments & Services
Our Consultants
Emergency Department
