Question: Who is speech therapy suitable for, and how can I access it?

Answer: Speech therapy is relevant for anyone experiencing difficulties with:

• Language: Word-finding challenges.
• Speech: Reduced clarity of speech, fatigue during speaking.
• Voice: Poor voice quality, such as weak voice or hoarseness.
• Swallowing: Issues like coughing during meals or food not passing smoothly down the throat.

Upon arriving at the clinic, the speech therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on the challenges described and provide appropriate solutions.

Any speech therapist specializing in adult rehabilitation can address these issues. When contacting a speech therapist, it’s essential to specify the need for expertise in rehabilitation to ensure you’re not waiting for someone who does not specialize in this field.

Available resources:

1. The MS Center at Sheba Tel HaShomer:
   • Appointment scheduling: 03-5305000
   • Office phone: 03-5303911
   • Fax: 03-5309050
   • Email: ms@sheba.health.gov.il
2. Remote Rehabilitation Service:
   • Enables treatments with a speech therapist from Sheba Tel HaShomer via computer.
   • Available nationwide.
   • Details and registration: 03-5309661, reabilityonline.com.
3. Health Funds (HMOs): Various options available through health funds.
4. The Israeli Speech-Language and Hearing Association:
   • Locate a specialist by area of expertise and location.
   • Website: http://ishla.org.il.

Question: Sometimes I lose words while speaking. What can I do?

Answer: Losing words mid-sentence is likely related to word retrieval difficulties. This happens when the word is familiar and known but difficult to access at a given moment. Such difficulties are common as part of cognitive and language changes.

To ease word retrieval:

• Think of alternative words or try to describe the word differently. For example, instead of “chair,” you could say, “a piece of furniture you sit on.” This allows for functional communication while improving word retrieval skills.

For significant difficulties, consulting a speech therapist is recommended. Therapy can strengthen naming and retrieval skills and teach compensatory strategies to support daily communication.

Question: How can fluency in speech be maintained?

Answer: Difficulty producing words and maintaining fluent speech may stem from motor challenges or weakness in the speech organs. Speech therapy can focus on strengthening these organs and teaching compensatory strategies to ensure clearer and more continuous speech.

Question: My speech is unclear, and I struggle with diction. It’s harder to speak in a foreign language, and I feel misunderstood. What can be done?

Answer: Unclear speech and diction can result from motor challenges or weakness in the speech organs. Speech therapy can help strengthen these organs and provide strategies for more precise and fluent speech production.

Question: How can issues with speech and coughing caused by a dry throat be addressed?

Answer: Dry throat can be a side effect of certain medications. Consult your treating physician, who may adjust your treatment accordingly. In the meantime, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is recommended to alleviate dryness.