(508) 828-7000

Speech, Hearing and Language Center

Our programs and services include:

Speech, Hearing and Language Center

About the Center
Morton Hospital's Speech, Hearing and Language Center provides diagnostic and treatment programs to children and adults presenting with a wide range of disorders. The Speech, Hearing and Language Center is in the Northwoods Medical Center, four miles from the main Hospital campus. Northwoods Medical Center is located at 2007 Bay St. in Taunton, right off Route 495 at Exit 9.

Our staff of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, have obtained a Master’s and/or Doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or audiology, and are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Audiology:
Hearing Evaluations
Central Auditory Processing Evaluations
Hearing Aid Program

Speech-Language Pathology:
Evaluations & Treatment
Voice Disorders
Swallowing Disorders
Pediatric Language Groups
Study Skills

Audiology
Hearing Evaluations: Diagnostic evaluations for patients of all ages. Testing can include: assessment of hearing sensitivity, speech reception levels, speech discrimination, cochlear function and middle ear function. Specifically-designed procedures incorporating play techniques are used to identify hearing loss in toddlers and patients with special needs. Infant hearing testing (birth to 3 months) is administered using Auditory Brainstem Response Testing. This is an electrophysiological test that determines auditory function.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluations are administered for children who may have normal hearing acuity, but have difficulty processing information presented auditorally.

Hearing Aid Program: Purchase hearing aids through our hearing aid program. We utilize computerized technology and verification measures. Our hearing aid program includes: hearing aids, hearing aid verification, orientation, adjustment period and one year of follow-up services.

Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Evaluations & Treatments are offered for children and adults with speech, language, voice, swallowing and feeding difficulties.

Speech-Language Evaluations for children who are not talking and/or have delays/disorders in speech/language development.

There are also outpatient and inpatient programs for adults with sudden onset and progressive neurological disorders, i.e., stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.

Voice Program: Available to individuals experiencing voice problems related to nodules, polyps, swelling, improper use, etc.

Treatment Options for Voice
Education regarding vocal cord anatomy and movement
Identifying and using alternative behaviors to vocal abuse
Reducing and eliminating vocal abuses
Identification and practice of proper voice use
Establishing an optimal pitch
Modifying vocal intensity (loudness)
Using appropriate breathing patterns for speech
Utilizing relaxation techniques
Establishing proper tone, focus and resonance
Practicing proper vocal projection techniques

Swallowing and feeding programs: For children and adults, including modified barium swallow studies.

Treatment objectives for swallowing may include:
Practicing oral motor management techniques
Increasing oral motor strength, range of motion and control
Training compensatory positioning strategies to ensure swallow safety
Surface Electromyography (sEMG) to provide visual biofeedback of the patient’s swallow efficacy

Home Programs are designed to address:
Oral motor exercises
Altering head/trunk positioning during eating
Changes in diet so that foods and liquids can be managed safely

Pediatric Language Groups: The Pediatric Language Group Intervention Program provides language stimulation and facilitation with special emphasis on an experiential (hands on) approach for children who are between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The children have cognitive skills necessary for language learning and have been diagnosed with a speech and language delay or disorder. Consultation is available as necessary by occupational and physical therapists. The language groups meet once a week for a 1 ½ - 2 hour session. There are approximately three to five children per group.

Study skill instruction, which includes instruction on organization of time, material and information. Note taking and researching for report writing is reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Audiology & Speech Pathology:

What are the developmental levels for speech/language/hearing development?

Audiology

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
1. Do you hear but have difficulty understanding when people talk to you?
2. Do you turn up the television and/or radio volume?
3. Do you have difficulty hearing in a group setting or in a noisy place?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should have a complete hearing test by a licensed audiologist.

Am I a candidate for the hearing aid program?
Based on the results of your hearing test, the audiologist will discuss your options regarding hearing aid amplification. Any questions or concerns that you have about hearing aids will be answered at that time. An audiological evaluation must have been completed within the previous six months either at our Center or by another licensed audiologist. The charge for the hearing test is not included in the hearing package.

What is included in the hearing package?
Based on the results of the hearing evaluation, your audiologist will consider your communication needs, style preference, ability to handle the aid, and daily living style and environment before deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you.

When the hearing aid is received, you will be instructed in the proper use and care of the aid. You will also be tested wearing the hearing aid and receive thorough counseling regarding insertion, maintenance and adjustment to amplification.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Morton’s Speech, Hearing and Language Center at (508) 823-3050.

Speech Pathology

What is a swallowing problem?
With a normal swallow, foods and liquids move efficiently and safely from the mouth to the stomach. The mouth, throat, larynx (voice box) and esophagus (tube from the throat to the stomach) are all involved. Difficulty with foods or liquids in any of these areas may result in a swallowing problem, often called Dysphagia. Once a swallowing disorder is identified, the speech-language pathologist may recommend a variety of therapeutic activities. These include home program suggestions and formal treatment with a certified speech-language pathologist.

What is a voice disorder?
A child or an adult with a voice disorder may have: chronic episodes of hoarseness, vocal fatigue, raspiness, voice loss, too high or too low a pitch in the voice, too loud or too soft a voice, or pain associated with speaking.

What causes voice disorders?
The majority of voice disorders result from frequent vocal abuse or vocal misuse. Vocal abuse may consist of: smoking, excessive talking or throat clearing, coughing, yelling and screaming. Vocal misuse may consist of: speaking with a higher or lower than appropriate pitch or loudness, using inefficient breath support or control, or speaking with too much tension in the face, neck or shoulders. Vocal abuse or misuse can cause damage to the vocal cords in the larynx, commonly called the voice box.

Common examples are inflammation or swelling, nodules (like calluses), and polyps (fluid-filled areas). Damage can also occur from a stroke, virus or traumatic injury.

Links
American Academy of Audiology
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Boys Town National Research Hospital
Children with Disabilities
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Better Hearing Institute
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Resources

Click here to view our "Developmental Milestones" brochure.

Obtaining Services
Referrals to the Speech, Hearing, and Language Center may be made by anyone, including: physicians, educators, social workers, professionals from allied health fields and self-referrals. Evening hours are available.

Please direct all requests for information or scheduling of appointments to:

Office Coordinator
Speech, Hearing and Language Center
Morton Hospital

2007 Bay Street, Suite B-100
Taunton, MA 02780
Hours of Operation
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Phone Number: 508-823-3050
  • Fax Number: 508-828-5858
  • TTY: 508-821-4470

Ample free parking and convenient location, just minutes from Routes 495, 24 and 95.

The Speech, Hearing and Language Center and Morton Hospital shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, or handicapping condition in providing services to the public or in employment practices.

Additional Information and Questions
Questions can also be e-mailed to:
Supervisor of Audiology: barbara.cherecwich@steward.org
Supervisor of Speech Pathology: michelle.mitchell@steward.org