Bio-Medical

Describe the function of lungs in speech production and techniques

used by SLP to intervene lungs related and swallowing issues.

Function of Lungs in Speech Production:

Speech sound is a wave of air that originates from complex actions of the human
body, supported by three functional units:
 Generation of air pressure
 Regulation of vibration
 Control of resonators.

The lungs play a crucial role in speech production.

They supply air pressure and airflow that is modulated and shaped by other speech
organs. The air from the lungs passes through the larynx, where the vocal folds may
vibrate to make a sound, they are controlled by a set of laryngeal muscles and airflow
from the lungs. The oscillation of the vocal folds converts the expiratory air into
intermittent airflow pulses that result in a buzzing sound. The narrow constrictions of
the airway along the tract above the larynx also generate transient source sounds; their
pressure gives rise to an airstream with turbulence or burst soundsThe airflow is then
modified by the articulators in the mouth (Tongue, lips, palate and mandible) and
nose to form speech.

Here's how the lungs play a crucial role in this process:

. Air Supply:
The lungs serve as the reservoir of air for speech. When you speak, you need a
constant and controlled flow of air to produce sound. The diaphragm, a muscle
beneath the lungs, contracts and expands the thoracic cavity, which creates a pressure
difference that allows air to be drawn into the lungs.

. Air Pressure Control:

The lungs play a role in controlling the air pressure that is pushed up through the
trachea and into the vocal tract. The amount of air pressure exerted affects the
loudness and intensity of speech sounds. By adjusting the tension in the respiratory
muscles, speakers can control this pressure.

. Speech Sound Generation:

The air that is released from the lungs passes through the trachea and into the larynx,
where the vocal cords are located. The vocal cords vibrate when air passes through
them, creating the fundamental frequency for speech sounds. The pitch and tone of
your voice are influenced by the tension and length of the vocal cords, which are
controlled by the muscles surrounding them.

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. Articulation Support:
The controlled airflow from the lungs is necessary for the proper articulation of
speech sounds. As air moves from the lungs into the vocal tract, it passes through
various speech organs, and the manipulation of this airflow by the tongue, lips, and
other articulator shapes the speech sounds.

Techniques used by SLP to intervene lungs related and swallowing

issues:

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use a variety of techniques to intervene in lung

and swallowing related issues. Some of the techniques used by SLPs to address
respiratory and swallowing issues include:

. Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST):

This technique is used to increase the “force-generating capacity” of the muscles of
inspiration and expiration. RMST can be used to target inspiratory or expiratory muscles,
depending on patient needs.

. Breathing Retraining:
This technique is used to improve breathing patterns for improved communication,
swallow, and patient performance during activities of daily living (ADLs) or other
physical activities

. Swallowing Therapy:
This technique is used to improve swallowing function by addressing the underlying
cause of the problem. SLPs may use a variety of techniques such as exercises,
compensatory strategies, and diet modifications to improve swallowing function.

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. Modified Barium Study (MBBS):

SLPs often use this imaging technique to assess swallowing function. During the study,
the patient swallows various food and liquid consistencies mixed with barium, allowing
the SLP to observe the swallowing process in real time using fluoroscopy.

. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES):

This procedure involves passing a flexible endoscope through the nose to view the
pharynx and larynx during swallowing. It provides real-time visualization of the
swallowing process and allows the SLP to identify any swallowing difficulties.

. Swallowing Maneuvers and Postures:

SLPs may teach specific maneuvers and postures to help improve swallowing function.
These may include techniques such as the chin tuck, head turn, or head tilt to facilitate
safer and more efficient swallowing.

. Counseling and Education:

SLPs provide education and counseling to patients and their families about strategies to
promote safe and effective swallowing, as well as information about potential risks and
complications associated with swallowing difficulties.

. Collaboration with Other Health Care:

SLPs often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses,
dietitians, and occupational therapists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans and
ensure holistic care for individuals with lung-related and swallowing issues.

. VitalStim Therapy:
It is a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy used by SLPs to strengthen
the muscles involved in swallowing. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscles,
and electrical stimulation is applied to facilitate muscle contraction.

This is not an exhaustive list of techniques used by SLPs. The specific techniques used
will depend on the patient’s individual needs and goals.

Conclusion:
The lungs provide the necessary airflow, air pressure, and support for the generation of
speech sounds. Without the lungs and the respiratory system, speech production would be
difficult or impossible, as it heavily relies on the coordinated control of air for articulation
and phonation.
Other than that, one can face the issues regarding lungs and swallowing for that purpose
there are the interventions; aim to improve overall swallowing function, reduce the risk of
aspiration, and enhance the individual's overall quality of life.

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References:

 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-49127-9_2

 https://americanphonetics.ruhosting.nl/course/5-the-production-of-speech/5-1-the-
lungs-and-the-larynx/