Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) provide evaluation and treatment of communication or swallowing disorders to individuals of all ages, from newborn to the elderly. A doctor’s order is necessary to begin therapy for insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Speech Rehabilitation

How do I know if my child or adult loved one needs to see a speech-language pathologist?

If your loved one is having any difficulties understanding language, expressing himself/herself or has difficulty swallowing, a referral to a speech-language pathologist may be warranted. SLP's can provide the following services:

• Therapy for individuals with articulation/phonological disorders, apraxia, oral motor weakness, voice, language/learning disabilities and auditory processing disorders
• Swallow evaluations/treatment including modified swallow studies
• Aural rehabilitation for individuals with hearing loss
• Stroke and traumatic brain injury treatment
• Augmentative/alternative communication (AAC)
• Therapy for individuals on the autistic spectrum

How do I set up an appointment with a BVHS speech-language pathologist?

See your doctor for a referral and then call 419-425-3199 to schedule an appointment.

Will my insurance pay for evaluation and treatment?

Insurance policies vary in their coverage of speech, language and swallowing therapy. Check with your insurance company to learn about your specific coverage.

Does your facility accept Medicare and Medicaid?

Yes.

What is a typical evaluation and treatment session like?

The SLP will ask you or your loved one questions to evaluate the speech, voice, swallowing, language and/or cognition skills. An outpatient evaluation will take approximately one hour. Outpatient treatment sessions are approximately 40-45 minutes in length.

What is a Modified Barium Study (MBS)?

MBS is a procedure in which a series of X-rays of the mouth and throat are taken while the patient is swallowing portions of food or liquid. A radiologist and a speech-language pathologist conduct the evaluation. MBS helps determine if the patient has a swallowing problem and the severity of it, as well what can be done to treat it.

When is it Appropriate to Recommend Speech Therapy for Children?

Brief guidelines for developmental speech and language skills for 1-5 years:

1 year:

• Uses one to two words spontaneously
• Follows simple commands occasionally
• Imitates consonant and vowel combinations

2 years:  

• Uses two-word phrases
• Uses about 50 words
• Can identify six body parts

3 years:  

• Speaks and is understood 80% of the time
• Carries on a conversation of two or three sentences

4 years:  

• Uses four to five-word sentences
• Uses compound and complex sentences

5 years:  

• Comprehends most concepts of space, time, quantity and sequence
• Has a vocabulary of about 2,500 words
• Uses five to seven-word sentences

**Also, if children have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, other syndromes, or have had ear infections during their early years, they may especially be at risk for speech or language difficulties. Children do not always "grow out of" the problems they are having. If children are not developing at the appropriate age levels, a referral to a speech-language pathologist may be necessary.

When is it Appropriate to Recommend Speech Therapy for Adults?

Speech, language and/or swallowing problems in adults are typically associated with, but not limited to:         

• Stroke                              
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple Sclerosis           
• Head and neck cancer
• Brain injury                     
• Brain tumor 
• ALS                                    
• Huntington's disease
• Alzheimer's disease       
• Vocal nodules, polyps, etc
• Tracheotomy patients

If you know anyone who is having difficulty with their ability to speak, understand language or swallow, a referral from their doctor to a speech-language pathologist may be appropriate.