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.
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.
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 and when having to undertake face to face communications, utilise alternatives such as a note pad, laptop or whiteboard to express ideas
- the availability of alternative communication options such as fax, e-mail, msn messaging or text messaging to limit the need for face to face verbal contact
- flexibility regarding work hours, particularly if the aphonia only occurs sporadically or at certain times of the day
- an understanding and supportive work environment
- the use of adaptive technology to overcome the loss of voice.
Employers of people with disability may be eligible for free workplace assessments and modifications through the Workplace Modifications Scheme. The Workplace Modification Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment for employees with disability. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
(Health Communication Network 2007; Children’s Speech Care Centre 2005; Healthline 2002)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Children’s Speech Care Centre 2005, Aphonia ICD 784.41, Children’s Speech Care Centre, Los Angeles, viewed 13 February 2009, <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 2002, Voice Disorders, Healthline, San Francisco, viewed 13 February 2009, <http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/voice-disorders>.