Special Populations

Perceptions of the Impact of Speech, Language, Swallowing, and Hearing Difficulties on Quality of Life of a Group of South African Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

“…For example, Logemann [22] explains that the early involvement of an SLP in any neurogenic patient's dysphagia management is likely to speed up recovery, reduce the financial cost of treatment, provide compensatory strategies, and improve quality of life. The audiologist may recommend attending strategies and possible hearing aid fitting [16].…”

“…In addition, another respondent mentioned that she experienced a hearing problem in group situations. This problem within social activities may cause the individual to experience loneliness and social isolation [16], factors that certainly can impact on the individual's quality of life. Lastly, the 3rd participant explained that her hearing impairment 'irritated everyone else'.…”

“…Lastly, the 3rd participant explained that her hearing impairment 'irritated everyone else'. Giolas and Kaplan [16] provide support for the viewpoint when they state that family members often lack the necessary information regarding hearing loss and do not realize the psychological ramifications of expressing their annoyance at the individual's inability to hear and of leaving the individual out of conversations.…”

“…Giolas and Kaplan [16] indicate that speech reading skills and other communication effectiveness training can be used with patients whose hearing is deteriorating. Speech conservation training can also be implemented in order that the patient is prepared for a possible further hearing loss.…”