#spasmodic dysphonia

[pxppet]

Mutism/Nonspeaking Awareness Flag

I, like many others, suffer from mutism due to a physical disability. Every flag I've seen for the nonspeaking and nonverbal community is based in autism and related issues, without representation for those of us who are nonspeaking for reasons such as being a cancer survivor, schizophrenia, muscle tension dysphonia, spasmodic dysphonia, aphrasia, brain damage, etc. and related conditions. There are a large variety of conditions that I rarely see representation for, and this flag is for us.

The white stripes represents hope for a more accepting future for nonspeaking and mute people.

The purple stripes represents entirely nonspeaking people.

The blue stripes represents AAC and sign language users.

The green stripes represents people with fluctuating levels of verbality.

The yellow stripe represents community and the way we have each other's backs in this struggle.

The symbol is a vague representation of the lack of a voice. I couldn't decide which one looked better so feel free to use either.

[astridellejo]

Wrestling With the Greased Pig of Speech/Voice Loss Terminology

Okay. So here's my understanding of the terminology:

Selective Mutism (Situational Mutism) This one seems to stem mostly from anxiety (maybe a little autism too). I don't experience that degree of anxiety often, but it has happened on rare occasions. Personally, I hate this term. It implies that not speaking is a conscious choice. I think situational is a more accurate word. "There are some situations in which my anxiety causes me to be unable to speak. This can be short term or long term. But it is by no means a deliberate, conscious decision on my part. It's more like my brain gets hyper-stimulated or something and just forgets how to make mouth noises."

Nonverbal This term appears to be specifically autism related mutism. I'm ADHD, not autistic, so I don't use this term for myself. And not being autistic, I can't really offer more information on the term.

Nonspeaking I guess this is an alternative to nonverbal that is less autism-specific. I guess. I don't actually know for sure. I'm not really sold on it, though, because kind of like "selective" mutism it kind of implies that a person can speak, but for whatever reason, chooses not to. Don't talk if you don't wanna talk. But I suppose people who are physically unable to talk might take umbrage with your conscious decision not to talk. I'm cool with it, though.

Dysphonia/Aphonia One means "messed up voice" and the other means "no voice at all". Aphonia is a neat word. Right up there with anhedonia. (Ahh, Greek!) I use the term spasmodic dysphonia because that's the official diagnosis I got from the ENT doctor. Apparently there's a more recent term laryngeal dystonia that seems to be preferred, but it doesn't seem to be taking root. So for now, I still have abductor spasmodic dysphonia that has rendered me aphonic. Whee!

Mute This word exists. I'm not sure if I like it, though. I don't have a good reason why I don't really vibe with it. Maybe it's because muting is something we can do to our television or computer or Zoom meeting, implying that it's reversible and temporary. Or maybe it's because in my ASL studies I've learned a little bit about deaf history and the connotations the word mute has.

There are other situations that can lead to loss of speech, like throat trauma, muscle tension dysphonia, aphasia, and probably a bunch more that I haven't even learned about yet.

Anyway, I don't know. I'm still sorting through my thoughts on the whole experience of the last seven months slowly losing my ability to speak with a functional voice. It's weird no longer being able to do a thing that I did effortlessly for over 40 years. I'm handling it reasonably well, I think. I do miss being able to sing and hum to my favorite music, though. That right there I would consider a genuine loss that I'm feeling.

[zarvasace]

Another disability AU redraw :D I'll repeat things under the cut. Here's the old version!

(also thanks @arecaceae175 for rb'ing that other one, I was looking for something to draw today!)

In this AU, Warriors has pretty severe laryngeal dystonia, more specifically tremor and adductor spasmodic dysphonia. He can talk, but his vocal cords don't open and close in quite the right way, so his speaking voice comes out shaky and rough. Singing, shouting, and laughing are all fine, though too much of anything easily gives him a sore throat. The condition began mildly, but got worse as he got older.

Warriors uses sign language as his primary method of communication, and will generally resort to writing before speaking. In this AU, Sky is mostly deaf, so Wars will generally interpret for Sky, and Sky can speak up when Wars needs to say something out loud. Most of the others know or are learning sign language, though, so the two rely on each other less and less as time goes on. (Not that they don't remain close, though!)

[timegears-moved]

Two questions for your pmd ocs!

1. Choose a couple of them and tell me what their relationship to each other is like!

2. If any of them were in the pmd games we have, what sort of role do you think they’d play? Which game do you think they’d fit in best?

OOH okay because i've been talking about revali i'm gonna talk about dylan and his relationship with verity because he was very unintentionally inspired by revali and his relationship with link.

in my pmd universe all members of the popplio line are naturally gifted singers. they place great pride on their vocal talents, and this is emphasized with dylan's mom and brother both being primarina (especially with his brother being a respectably famous singer). so dylan internalizes that being able to sing is what makes someone of his species good and worthy.

in comes verity, a human-turned-popplio who can't sing for shit. and not only can she not sing for shit, but she's fine with not being able to sing. it's not a huge deal to her and dylan takes that as an affront to their species and grows to dislike verity, but it runs deeper than that.

dylan also cannot sing. he has a condition that affects his vocal chords (i'm thinking spasmodic dysphonia but i want to do more research on it before i say for sure, out of respect for people that have it). his family (especially his brother) has made him feel ashamed for this and has caused a lot of self-hate to build up. so when he sees this popplio that also cannot sing and can easily accept that she can't, he feels extremely jealous. he's not sure if he hates her for it or if he wants to be like her.

what dylan doesn't know is that being turned into a pokemon has been a very traumatizing experience for verity. she's uncomfortable with her new body and hates being a pokemon, so there being a bit of a connection to her old human life by not being able to sing is very comforting for her.

verity doesn't try to let dylan's petty remarks get to her. she has bigger issues at hand than some guy bitching at her. but i do want the two eventually come to an understanding of each other.

as for the roles they play, verity and finnian already do fit the hero and partner roles, though i shook it up a little bit by making finnian the team leader. as for other characters, tegan and clover are partially inspired by bidoof and snover, though the way they resolve that conflict is very different. (spoilers) is the grovyle of this situation. and considering my explorers hero and partner are actual characters in my pmd story (they took over wigglytuff's guild after wigglytuff and chatot retired) i think it's safe to say i took more from explorers than the other games lmao.

[hollygobrightly]

Stupid Boy drama.

Unrequited love. Breadcrumbing. Stringing along. 

Name it whatever you want, but it all sucks. 

I had my heart broken three days after my moms funeral, all because I cancelled a date because my brother attempted suicide. How messed up is that? That was a little easier to get over than this, because, how big of an asshole are you to break up with your best friend after you won’t be getting any loving?

This though, this unrequited love.. is it unrequited if he told me he wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with me first? That we would go for walks, and hang out, and talk for hours but never anything more?

First it was a very serious relapse with MS, I had to use a wheelchair practically full time, I was choking on everything, and I had spasmodic dysphonia, he wanted me to be “okay first, before we started anything like a relationship” Alright, I get that. 

Then after I had two straight weeks of torture and I started feeling better, I could walk and talk and not choke when I tried to eat or drink anything, and you know what the next excuse was? “Well, me and my ex rushed into things and now I’m single and I don’t want to do that with us, I want to be friends and see where it goes”.. Okay.. This is MONTHS after he straight up told me that he wanted more with me. I get going slow, but not progressing at all? 

Did I mention that I was spoiling him with money when he was struggling and gifts for Christmas? I also bought he two pairs of new casual shoes, winter boots, and the top of the line work boots? I easily spent $700 on him. All because that is the type of person that I am, when I care about you, I love you, and I will take care of you.

It all came to a screeching halt on Christmas eve, know why? Because his SON asked me out. I went straight to this guy and demanded answers because I thought him and his son were trying to bait me into showing disloyalty. He told me to “go for it”. Seriously? I just spent months chasing you and you tell me to go for it with your son?

Of course my answer was a solid no, BUT, the very next day I asked him if he knew his son was going to do that, and he looked me in the eyes, and told me he had no idea..

Except, his son showed up at my place with the receipts. He showed me the text messages of him telling his dad to “Ask her out, or stop leading her on or I am going for it.” Know his response? He liked the way I gave him attention and bought him things.

So I went for it. I went for it with his son, and he did not like that. I got the silent treatment and straight up ignored. Thats okay because I went on with life acting like he didn’t exist in this world.  

But why do I still care about him and want his friendship?! What is this crap? I hate feelings. My feelings are hurt. I was open and very vulnerable with him. I actively stopped myself from having feelings for him in the first place before he inserted himself in my life, and really, it takes a special kind of asshole to lead somebody on when they are grieving the death of a parent. 

I wrote him a letter. I simply said that I was very disappointed that he was my first lesson of 2023, and that I was sad he felt the need to lead me on in order to get the things he wanted, when I would have done EVERYTHING I did for him, as a friend, without getting feelings involved but instead he broke my heart, and even after everything I only wanted what was best for him. 

I guess that hit him where it hurts because he has been asking mutual friends about it left and right. Good. 

That Keith Urban song, Stupid Boy, that has been on repeat this past week. I’m just done with relationships. Its not worth the heart ache. 

[hometopeacockcyn]

Read the article. Read my piece on Sandy Denny, and follow the links.

What a sociopath! NO deal.

[chavaanjanentcare]

Causes Your voice box (larynx) is made up of cartilage, muscle, and mucous membranes and is located between the top of your windpipe (trachea) and the base of your tongue. At the windpipe's entry are two flexible bands of muscle tissue called the vocal cords. When your vocal chords vibrate, sound is produced.

Air passing through the larynx causes this vibration, which brings your voice chords closer together. When you swallow, your vocal cords also help shut your voice box, keeping you from inhaling food or fluids.

Your vocal cords cannot function correctly if they get inflamed, acquire growths, or become paralysed, and you may have a voice issue. The following are some of the most frequent vocal disorders: • Laryngitis • Muscle tension dysphonia • Neurological voice problems such as spasmodic dysphonia • Polyps, nodules, or cysts on the vocal cords (noncancerous lesions) • Precancerous and cancerous lesions

Risk Factors A voice issue can be caused by a number of circumstances, including: • Aging • Alcoholism • Allergies • GERD • Illnesses such as colds or upper respiratory infections • Improper throat cleaning over time • Neurological issues • Stress • Scarring from neck surgery or injuries to the front of the neck • Screaming • Smoking • Throat cancer • Throat dehydration • Thyroid disorders • Misuse or overuse of the voice

Voice disorders can happen to anyone, regardless of profession or existing health conditions. There are various factors that can either trigger or aggravate these disorders. 🗣️ At ASIAN ENT CARE CENTRE, we understand the impact of voice disorders on your daily life and professional activities. Dr. Chava Anjaneyulu, a Senior ENT Surgeon and Chairman of our center, specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of voice disorders. 🌟 Why Choose Us: 1️⃣ Senior ENT Surgeon 2️⃣ Chairman of Asian ENT Care Centre 3️⃣ Expertise in Voice Disorders 4️⃣ Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment 5️⃣ Tailored Solutions for Every Patient 6️⃣ Dedicated to Your Vocal Health and Well-being Whether you're a teacher, singer, call center agent, or anyone experiencing voice-related issues, we're here to help you regain confidence in your voice. 🕰️ Clinic Timings: 🗓️ Monday to Saturday ⏰ 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH OUR ENT EXPERT TODAY! 📞 Call Us: +91 8179033446 💻 Visit Our Website: https://drchavaanjanentcarecentre.com/

[subhambiswas287]

Unlocking Communication: Speech Therapy Solutions in Kolkata

Speech therapy is a crucial intervention for various speech and language disorders. Among the most common challenges addressed by speech therapists are articulation disorders, spasmodic dysphonia, cluttering, selective mutism, and aphasia.

Articulation disorders, prevalent in about 8-9% of children, are characterized by difficulties in making specific sounds, which may continue into adulthood if not addressed. Such disorders are often recognizable through symptoms like sound addition, distortion, omission, or substitution. Early intervention and regular speech therapy sessions are essential for improvement, where therapists work on sound identification, correct sound production, and muscle strengthening involved in speech.

Spasmodic dysphonia, often appearing between ages 30 to 50, involves spasms of the vocal cords leading to a shaky voice. Speech therapy, in conjunction with medical consultations, can be helpful, particularly in mild cases. Techniques like breathing control to maintain a steady airflow are often employed.

Cluttering, a fluency disorder marked by rapid or jerky speech, can be mitigated through interventions such as delayed audio feedback, syllable articulation training, and increasing self-awareness. Early treatment is particularly effective, although adults can also benefit.

Selective mutism, primarily a psychological issue, often manifests in children as a refusal to speak in certain social situations, despite having the ability to speak. Speech therapists collaborate with psychologists and psychiatrists in diagnosing and treating this condition, which may involve addressing any underlying speech and language disorders.

Lastly, aphasia, resulting from brain damage (often due to stroke, tumors, or injuries), affects the brain's language capabilities. Speech therapists play a significant role in aiding those with aphasia, focusing on coping methods and communication strategies.

In Kolkata, speech therapy services are increasingly recognizing and addressing these challenges. With professional help, individuals facing these difficulties can improve their communication skills, boosting their confidence and quality of life. If you're seeking speech therapy in Kolkata, remember that early intervention and consistent therapy are key to overcoming speech and language barriers.

[repairyourvoice]

Empowering Voices: Spasmodic Dysphonia Solutions At The Royans Institute For Non-Surgical Voice Repair

Discover relief and get support while treating spasmodic dysphonia at The Royans Institute for Non-Surgical Voice Repair. Our specialized services cater to those facing the challenges of spasmodic dysphonia, offering comprehensive solutions to regain control and confidence in speech. Reclaim the power of your voice with our dedicated resources and compassionate care.

[pxppet]

I do wish that, with writing of JJ, people would include different types of muteness in their stories. Most people make him have what I assume is a vocal cord deformity or a removed/damaged larynx. But that barely scratches the surface of conditions that cause muteness. The majority of nonspeaking people could speak at one point or can speak depending on the situation.

Myself as an example: I have spasmodic dysphonia, which is a neurological condition where my brain sends signals to my larynx to snap shut at random when I'm attempting to speak. It's a lifelong condition that causes the muscles that generate a person’s voice to go into periods of spasm. I can speak, technically. I can make vocalizations for maybe 20 minutes worth of speech on very good days! But it causes me pain and stress the entire time. My quality of life is healthier and much happier if I use sign language and AAC applications.

A lot of conditions that cause muteness are similar, in which the nonspeaking person does not speak because it causes some sort of pain or distress. Muscle tension dysphonia, for instance, is the condition my version of JJ has. There is an abnormality in his voice box that causes him to over-use other muscles in his neck to help produce your voice. Steve-O has this condition, for example! My JJ has caused permanent damage to his voice due to Anti continuing to use his voice while possessing him even though his abnormal voice box was preventing him from speaking normally. Jameson can make strained, gravelly, whispering vocalizations, but it causes him pain. Eventually Anti has used his voice to the point he cannot speak at all due to the damage.

Selective mutism, as another example, is when a person can’t speak in certain settings, but can speak fine in others. It is usually related to stress, certain situations causing so much anxiety to the person that they are unable to speak. It is not a willful decision not to speak, it is anxiety so severe that the ability to communicate just vanishes.

As you can see, the ability to speak or make small noises for short periods of time is more common in nonspeaking conditions than a total lack of sound production. If your Jameson, for instance, had throat cancer and his voice box was completely removed, then that is different as he will not be able to produce any vocalizations. If he has this, however, he can still whistle, cluck his tongue, and make mouth noises to use as responses.

Representation of multiple types of muteness would be a dream come true for me and other nonspeaking people, who have so little representation that it's sad. Explore and learn! Branch out and learn about nonspeaking people and our struggles. Normalize our conditions by familiarizing yourself with them. The less incidents we have of people calling JJ "useless" because he doesn't talk, the better.

[astridellejo]

My Voice Is Broken So I Don't Use It Anymore What is the Search Term for That?

I began losing functionality of my voice about three years ago. It would happen for a few days at a time, usually when the seasons started to change so I just assumed it was some kind of perfectly normal seasonal hoarseness. It happened to me again in September 2023, but this time it stayed way longer than a few days. It has now been five months since my voice stopped working and I don't think it's coming back. It got on a plane to Peru and said, "See ya!" I've written about my voice loss in previous posts which you can read here and here.

Now that can no longer use my voice like I used to, I've been trying to find some level of community online. Because it turns out, just creating OCs that can't speak, or have difficulty speaking, isn't as fulfilling as I hoped it would be. Curse my needs for occasional social connection! The trick to finding community online is to figure out the correct search terminology that will help get me connected to others.

I started with "spasmodic dysphonia" because that's what the ENT specialist told me I have. Found some information but very few people. I expanded to "laryngeal dystonia", which didn't really take me much further. It did inform me, however, that a panel of experts decided it is the preferred term over "spasmodic dysphonia". Then I thought since I don't talk anymore, I could try using "nonverbal" as a search term. It got me a whole bunch of information on autism, but I am not autistic so that's not going to be the right search term for me. (I am ADHD though.)

So then I thought, "Okay, what is the most generalized concept I could use that is still reasonably accurate to my issue here?" The term "mute" is an option I suppose, but it might be a little too general. Plus it has some negative connotations. Even the dictionary says it's "dated or offensive" in terms of describing someone who cannot speak. Eventually it dawned on me I could simply use "speech disorder" as a search term. I didn't use it at first because I didn't think it was accurate, but I gave it a try. Hey! Look! There's my people!

I'm Astrid. I'm almost 50 (whoa). I have laryngeal dystonia and lost use of my voice only five months ago. Yes, communication now is more challenging, but I'm finding workarounds. And ya know, I actually quite enjoy not talking. I'm learning ASL (American Sign Language) and I absolutely love it! I use my phone to write messages if needed, or good old fashioned pencil and paper whenever I feel thumb typing might take too long.

So if your ability to speak is impeded in some way and/or you use alternative forms of communication for whatever reason, from a pencil and paper, to an AAC device, to sign language, I see you! I finally found the right search term and I see you! You rock!

[image description] Hipster Ariel wears thick-framed black glasses, a green scarf around her neck, a lavender shirt, and a matching lavender starfish in her side-braided red hair. From her right ear hangs a bespoke dinglehopper earring. Ariel sweeps her hair over her left shoulder revealing on her right shoulder a stylized tattoo of a seahorse. In her left hand she holds up a pink mobile phone with text on it in large letters reading, "voices are overrated". [/image description]

[ask-the-opal-crown]

Synopsis: An AU of my own OCs where a good chunk of the ones who don’t get as much attention/fanfic creation all work/live at a fancy hotel together. Hotel is complete with a built in coffee shop, restaurant, bar, rooftop pool and casino.

Hotel name: The Opal Crown

Coffee shop name: Sweet Spoon Coffee

Restaurant name: Quartz d'ange

Casino name: The Black Cherry

Bar name: Satin Swigs

Character roster:

Name: Lakhi Agarwal

Job: Hotel owner

Age: 37

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Indian-American

Appearance: Thick black hair, often curled and coated in spray to be sure not a single strand is out of place. Sharp, angular gold/amber eyes. Petite, but slightly frightening in how muscular she is. Beige skin.

Often seen wearing: Black, three piece ladies’ suits and black stiletto heels

Quote: “One more smart mouthed comment out of you and I will feed you to my birds.”

Name: Antoinette (Annie) Cailteux

Job: Hotel manager

Age: 30

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Mexican-French

Appearance: Choppy black hair that hangs just past her chin. Brown, almond shaped eyes with gold flecks. Large nose, piercings in eyebrow, ceptum, ears, lip and tongue. Very tall, pear shaped figure. Olive skin.

Often seen wearing: Red button down shirts, black slacks, black suit jacket left unbuttoned and low heel shoes or flats.

Quote: “Hey, she’s got money and I’ve got a mouth to feed. I don’t see how I’m losing here.”

Name: Sofie/Tomarre Schmid

Job: Bartender

Age: 29

Pronouns: He/she

Ethnicity: Swiss-French

Appearance: Taller than average, but shorter than Annie. Short, neat borderline black hair. Smiling, doe brown eyes. Softer facial features. Very slender, lacking in curves. Porcelain skin.

Often seen wearing: The bar staff’s uniform. Cream button down, maroon vest, black bow tie. Black slacks when masculine, black skirt when feminine. Ballet flats regardless of gender.

Quote: “Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You’ll be a pro in no time. I promise.”

Name: Fabiana Alvarez

Job: Assistant bartender

Age: 22

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Peruvian-American

Disability: Deaf (Sign language user)

Appearance: Long, thinner brown hair. Wavy when down, but normally tied up into twin buns on top of her head. Ice green streaks. Almond shaped, turquoise eyes. Sprightly and small, rather short, constant look of a mischief maker. Heavily tanned skin.

Often seen wearing: The feminine version of the bar staff uniform, but with dark gray tights under the skirt and the sleeves rolled up to just below her elbows. Bow tie is often crooked. Low heel shoes.

Quote: (Signed) “I’ll do my best, and I’ll blow your mind while I’m at it!”

Name: Malinda (Mindy) Campbell

Job: Coffee shop barista

Age: 22

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Cocasian-American

Appearance: Bob of light brown curls with blonde highlights. Large, round, hazel-green eyes. Rosy cheeks, small nose, thin lips. Taller than Fabiana, but still on the shorter side. Peachy skin. Rose gold, cat eye glasses.

Often seen wearing: The standard barista uniform. Caramel colored button down, dark brown slacks, pastel yellow apron with a nametag. Petal pink ballet flats.

Quote: “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything for you.”

Name: Nezumi Fujiyama

Job: Coffee shop barista

Age: 19

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Japanese-American

Disability: Both legs amputated below the knee (Replaced by prosthetics)

Appearance: Shoulder length, dyed blonde hair, often pinned back from her face with decorative clips. Large, upturned eyes, dark with hints of red. Very conventionally attractive. Average height, hourglass figure. Lighter beige skin.

Often seen wearing: The standard barista uniform top and apron, but with a frilly, dark brown skirt decorated with little red rosettes. Noticeable heart above the I in her name on nametag.

Quote: “I’m living like a character from a romance novel. Maybe my life can be the plot!”

Name: Emily Flowers

Job: Waitress

Age: 23

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Cocasian-American

Disability: Spasmodic dysphonia

Appearance: Thick, wavy, platinum blonde hair tied into two Dutch braids that hang over her shoulders. Large, round, shiny gray eyes. Very obvious blush. Slightly above average height, unremarkable figure. Porcelain skin. Round, black glasses

Often seen wearing: The standard waitress uniform. Frilly, pale gray blouse with elbow length sleeves and a high collar, both trimmed with white lace. Dark gray slacks. Embroidered detailing of green ivy down the left side of the torso. Green ballet flats. Green butterfly clips used to tie off her braids.

Quote: “Hey fuck stain, you do NOT, I repeat, do NOT talk to her like that. Now get out.”

Name: Desmond (Des) Wentworth

Job: Waitress

Age: 19

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: British-American

Appearance: Dark mahogany hair tied into two low buns behind her ears. Small, almond shaped, hazel-yellow eyes. Very pink cheeks and lips. Light brown freckles across bridge of her nose and cheeks. Slightly above average height, rectangular figure. Very pink peach skin.

Often seen wearing: The same uniform as the other waitresses, but with the collar scrunched down and the sleeves rolled up slightly. Dark brown belt, black sneakers.

Quote: “I’m trying my hardest, I really am. Please don’t fire me.”

Name: Violetta (Vio) DeLuka

Job: Receptionist

Age: 26

Pronouns: Any (Seriously, Vio does not care)

Ethnicity: Southern Italian

Appearance: Dark brown hair that hangs to xir hips, styled in large, bouncy ringlets. Expressive silver eyes, thick, bushy eyebrows, very broad smile. Slightly shorter than Sofie. Wide hips, thick thighs, smaller bust. Rich, dark brown skin.

Often seen wearing: Frilly, feminine clothing. Most commonly a periwinkle sundress with a large, white bow tied around the waist and white, sandal heel wedges. Hair occasionally tied back with a gray or violet ribbon.

Quote: “Now now, there’s not a single thing for you to worry about. Vio will take care of it.”

Name: Corie Grady

Job: Janitor

Age: 21

Pronouns: They/them

Ethnicity: Cocasian-American

Appearance: A person with albinism. Fluffy, white hair often tied up into a ponytail. Light brown eyes with faint laugh lines around them. Average height, rectangular build. White skin, calloused hands.

Often seen wearing: Standard janitor’s uniform. Cobalt blue jumpsuit, short black boots, occasionally yellow latex gloves. Sometimes has their ponytail pulled through the back of a blue baseball cap.

Quote: “Well I’ll be. What’s a pretty thing like you doin’ so far from heaven?”

Name: Vincent (Vince) MacDonnal

Job: Bellhop

Age: 21

Pronouns: He/Him

Ethnicity: Scottish-American

Appearance: Long, auburn hair in tight curls that reaches his waist. Sharp, dark green eyes with lighter green inner rings. Resting suspicious face. Straight brows, covered in brown freckles from head to toe. Slightly below average height for a guy, rectangular build with very faint hintings at curves. Peach skin.

Often seen wearing: The standard bellhop uniform. Sharp, dark red suit with gold shoulder pads, a black tie, buttons adorned with opal stones and matching cufflinks. Miniature black top hat with a red band around it. Shiny black shoes.

Quote: “You do everything they tell ya, and this is where you end up, eh Vinny?”

Name: Bougainvillia (Bo) DeSilva

Job: Housekeeper

Age: 30

Pronouns: She/they

Ethnicity: Brazilian-American

Disability: Partial mutism

Appearance: Long, dark brown hair worn in locs. Beady, dark hazel-green eyes. Pointy nose, beakish face. Willowy build, ridiculously flexible. Muscular frame, strong shoulders. Dark brown skin. Calloused hands.

Quote: (Written) “No, I didn’t steal anything. I’m a magpie, not a cleptomaniac.”

Name: Coco Galanis

Job: Lobby pianist

Age: 25

Pronouns: She/they

Ethnicity: (Mixed) 1/2 Spanish, 1/2Greek

Disability: Sensitive heartbeat (Takes pills to slow if eart rate gets too fast)

Appearance: Chocolate brown hair that hangs straight and reaches upper chest. A large swath on the left side of their head was previously dyed aquamarine, but has since faded to a sickly pale greenish color. Soft, warm brown eyes. Round face, baby cheeks. Plus sized person, all soft lines and not hard edges. Tanned skin.

Often seen wearing: A bright red dress that hangs down to just above the knee. Low V in the back, thin straps, lowish round neckline. Thick, dark red sash belted around their waist. Mary Jane shoes the same red as the sash.

Quote: “I’d like to be on my own stage if I’m honest, but this’ll do for now.”

Name: Jubilee Blum

Job: Casino dealer (Part time entertainer)

Age: 27

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Cocasian-American (Partial Hebrew descent)

Appearance: Wavy, honey blonde hair that falls just past shoulders, usually pulled back into a bun or high ponytail. Intelligent, ice blue eyes, full lips, often wearing coral lipstick. Tall, slender build. Flexible, impeccable posture, very defined legs. Sunkissed skin.

Often seen wearing: A high collared, sleeveless powder blue blouse with lighter blue ruffles over the chest. High waisted midnight blue skirt with black lace tights under it. Elbow length, black velvet gloves and matching hair ribbon. White stiletto heels with straps around the ankles.

Quote: “Whomever said the house always wins was, fortunately for us, very correct.”

Name: Zorya Seagrass

Job: Pool lifeguard

Age: 34

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity: Russian-American

Appearance: Long, thick, dark brown hair that hangs to her thighs. Sharp, fierce violet eyes. Full, pouty lips. Slightly above average height, long limbs. Larger bust, smaller hips. Defined muscles in arms and legs. Peachy skin.

Often seen wearing: A pale green bikini with a slightly high waisted bottom. Whistle on lanyard around her neck. Hair regularly piled up into a large bun on top of her head. Either white flip flops or no shoes at all.

Quote: “If I didn’t have these stupid morals, I would quit today and apply to be a lounge singer.”

[uinterview]

In April, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his bid for the Democratic Party nomination in the 2024 presidential election. Follow @uinterview for the latest exclusive celebrity videos & news!

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Disorders of Speech and Language

Before moving on, let's discuss the many possible speech and language issues. 

 The first is apraxia, which is caused by brain damage. You could develop apraxia after a stroke, a brain injury, or brain surgery. Speaking may be difficult or impossible if the signals from your brain are interfered with. 

 Another factor contributing to dysarthria is a brain disorder in which the messages are received, but the muscles controlling the lips, face, tongue, and throat are injured. 

Another mental condition connected to the brain is aphasia. It describes someone with difficulties hearing, speaking, reading, or writing. The right side of the brain is where attention and memory functions are located, while the left is where language functions. Speech therapy may be necessary to solve issues that result from using one without the other. 

 For instance, dementia affects your memory. Therefore, even if you can use grammar, you won't be able to recall the necessary information if your memory is poor. 

 Your larynx (voice box) may be the source of other problems, manifesting as hoarseness, polyps or nodules on the vocal cords, spasmodic dysphonia, a different type of brain condition, or vocal cord paralysis. 

 You could decide to take part in speech therapy as an adult. 

 Maybe you want to change your accent to better converse with people in a foreign nation. Additionally, a lot of transgender persons want to change their voices to reflect better who they are. Get a speech therapist for adults today in Australia. 

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Voice Disorders: How Can We Manage Patients With Common Voice Disorders

Voice is the medium with which we humans do a lot of communicating with the outside world. It is the very emblem of the speaker, so much so that a disorder in voice can have an adverse effect on the physical, mental, and functional quality of life of the sufferer. Diagnosing and managing the same have developed significantly over the past 15 years.

Disturbances in voice vary from hoarseness, weakness, strain, reduced range, and pain. These problems need attention from an ENT doctor in Old Airport Road. If they do not resolve after 3 to 4 weeks of home remedies or treatment by the family physician. Different types of common voice disorders are Laryngitis, Spasmodic Dysphonia (voice change due to the brain and nervous system), and Precancerous and cancerous growths and polyps. 

Which Group of People Needs Earlier Evaluation by A Laryngologist?

A number of factors make some individuals more susceptible to voice disorders than others. Consult a doctor if you have any of these:

Professional voice users

You have associated difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing

Associated neck swelling, Neurologic symptoms like weakness, imbalance

Tobacco users

Recent surgery of the head and neck area or admission to the intensive care unit

What Can You Expect in A Voice Clinic?

Initial Assessment: As in all clinics the specialist acquires intricate details of the symptoms and other relevant information

Perceptual voice evaluation: The voice is graded (this help in quantifying the progress and outcome of treatment)

Aerodynamic assessment: To check strength, pitch, expiratory flow in phonation, maximum phonation time

Clinical Examination: General Head, Neck, and Chest 

Laryngoscopy with a flexible scope so that the voice box is checked for function, structural changes, and growth. The findings are analyzed and reported. At this point, diagnosis is arrived at.

When will a stroboscopy come into use?

A stroboscopy helps in the diagnosis of some voice disorders and patient monitoring before and after treatment of malignancies in the area and to check for recurrence.

Medical Management of Voice Disorders

The medical management of voice disorders varies from antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-reflux medication, at times anti-anxiety medications, and injections of botox. Depending on the type and your condition, your ENT specialist will prescribe you the medication. 

What does the speech therapist offer? 

Speech therapy is primarily recommended in patients undergoing voice disorder treatment in Old Airport Road. You may be asked to follow training and exercises based on the disease such as Direct or Symptomatic therapy, Physiological therapy, Indirect therapy with vocal hygiene programs and lifestyle changes. 

Surgical Management of Voice Disorders:

When does one advise phono surgery?

Phonosurgery is recommended when:

There is a suspicion of malignancy

Benign lesions not amenable to or not responding to speech therapy and medications

Vocal cord paralysis and dysphonias like adolescent transitional dysphonia not responding to therapy

What is laryngeal framework surgery?

In some situations, direct surgery on the vocal cords is not done. The cartilaginous framework is operated on to bring about desired changes in the vocal cord function. It is known as thyroplasty.

Do steroids have a role in voice disorders?

Limited use, not recommended prior to a thorough evaluation

Given in case of airway compromise due to inflammatory cause

Direct injection to vocal folds in some situations 

Key to a Good Voice:

It is not difficult to maintain a good voice. Here are a few suggestions that remain as key to good voice:

Hydration

Avoid voice abuse/overuse

Avoid tobacco

Avoid spice