Speech problems are very common and they can be caused by a number of different factors. Common causes of speech problems include:
- Hearing problems: this makes it more difficult for people to produce sounds because normally sounds are learnt by copying other people or replicating the sound when it is heard on the radio or the television
- Cleft palate: a cleft palate causes a hole in the roof of the mouth which affects the flow of air through the mouth and nose; this can affect speech
- Genetics: many speech problems seem to run in families; a common example of this is a stammer
- Orthodontic problems: the positioning of the teeth may alter the way certain sounds are produced
- Other health conditions; conditions such as strokes, neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease) and injury to the brain
- Learning difficulties: people with learning difficulties may cause speech development to be slower than usual
Guide to Hearing and Speech Problems
How can I tell if my child has hearing problems?
What are the effects of hearing loss on development?
Getting help for hearing problems