Speech and Hearing Getting older and its effects
By Keegan Harris
May is Better Speech and Hearing month — two things many take for granted , but are incredibly important parts of the human experience .
Those who struggle to communicate through talking or those who can ’ t hear what others say face incredible challenges in everyday life . But there are those who have made it their calling to help such individuals live a better and richer life .
SPEECH
Kimé Harris , Director of Rehab for Somerset Nursing and Rehabilitation , manages the facility ’ s staffing , which includes 15 part time and full time therapists , oversees therapy of the residents in the rehab unit and in longterm care .
Also a speech pathologist , Harris treats patients with a variety of acute illnesses , including stroke , Parkinson ’ s Disease , and dementia . She addresses their speech , language , and swallowing disorders .
Speech is made up of bits called “ phonemes .” English has about 44 distinct phonemes including vowels and consonants . Forming these phonemes requires precise muscle movement , and people who have damaged pathways between the muscles and the brain won ’ t be able to form sounds the way they used to . Parkinson ’ s Disease , for instance , can cause tremors which can inhibit sound formation . Harris said these tremors are a bit like how Katherine Hepburn spoke , though of course her “ shakiness ” weren ’ t caused by tremors .
Harris said activities like exercises and medication help reduce these tremors and can
May 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 23