"Most people take the

ability to communicate for granted," said Donna

Leonard, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist on

staff at FCH. "A communication barrier can happen to

anyone at anytime, limiting the potential for academic,

social and career achievement or the ability to live

independently."

Communication disorders

include a variety of problems affecting speech, language,

voice and fluency. Not only does speech-language therapy

address these complications, but the scope of the

practice also involves rehabilitative programs for

cognitive and social aspects of communication.

Complications from stroke,

vocal polyps, closed head injuries, laryngeal cancer or

similar incidents may lead to one or more speech-language

deficiencies. Based upon a patient's condition, speech

therapy programs are tailored to best suit each

individual and put him or her on the most effective route

to recovery.

Patients are seen on an

inpatient or outpatient basis for one-hour sessions

continuing anywhere from two weeks to three months.

Typically, patients enter speech therapy from a physician

referral; however, many patients come to FCH from

subacute care rehab programs and nursing homes.

"Upon recovery from a

trauma resulting in a speech deficiency, a patient may be

admitted to a subacute care facility for intensive

speech-language rehabilitation," said Leonard.

"Once the patient is ready to return home, he or she

generally needs follow-up sessions on an outpatient

basis. Now, patients who have been discharged from a

subacute center can receive continued therapy right here

in their community."

Speech-language

pathologists also specialize in the treatment of

dysphagia, or the inability to swallow. At FCH, modified

barium swallow studies are provided on an inpatient and

outpatient basis to detect swallowing abnormalities,

which could result in the aspiration of foods or liquids

into the lungs.

Other speech-language

rehabilitation services provided at the Hospital include

voice restoration for those patients who have had a

laryngectomy, an operation during which the voice box and

larynx are removed. Rehab treatments following a

laryngectomy can include teaching patients to use

esophageal speech (bringing outside air into the mouth in

order to produce sound), to use an artificial larynx, and

to work with a prosthesis placement following a

tracheoesophageal puncture, which allows air to pass from

the trachea to the esophagus, thereby facilitating

speech.

Early detection and

treatment can delay or prevent further progression of a

speech-language problem. To learn more about the

Hospital's speech-language program, contact the FCH

Rehabilitation and Fitness Center at 770-719-7095.

Appointments are available with a physician referral

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are

covered by most insurance.

Fayette Community Hospital,

a not-for-profit subsidiary of Piedmont Medical Center

and member of PROMINA Health System, is located on

Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Services of the 100-bed

community hospital include: 24-hour emergency department,

medical/surgical, critical care, diagnostics, including

laboratory, radiology and mammography, respiratory,

physical therapy and rehabilitation, outpatient surgery

and comprehensive outpatient services. Visit the

Hospital's Web site at www.fayettehospital.org for more information on its

services