Posts by Megan Smith2

Edward Harris2 said:Haha, I don't see the problem with that kind of policy, especially if it makes things easier for speech therapists using tools 🙂 but fine, I guess I'll just stay away from Suvag 🙂

Whoa, hold on! You don't need to dodge Suvag. How can I even put this... think about it like conventional medicine versus alternative medicine. It's the same deal in speech therapy—there are all sorts of different approaches and methods out there. It’s not that one is "better" than the other, they're just different paths to the same goal...
Honestly, the specific method someone uses is actually the least important part, as long as you find a therapist who is genuinely good and actually cares. I've seen therapists with offices packed with high-tech tools and fancy equipment who don't get any results at all. On the flip side, I've seen therapists pull off absolute miracles using basically nothing but a pencil and paper! Of course, you can't pick your provider ahead of time, but you really don't need to avoid a specific clinic. Every place has its superstars and its flops. That's true for every single profession, right? For you, the only thing that 🙂 matters is staying motivated. If you feel like things aren't clicking with the therapist you're seeing, just move on and find someone else...

Amanda Sanders44 said:Oh, really? haha... they didn't show us anything...🙂

Man, if only word would get out!🤣🤣

Edward Harris2 said:Seriously though, what kind of policy is that? Since when do they ban using probes? 😕

Basically, Suvag uses this strict verbotonal method where they pretty much forbid using any extra tools to help get the right vocal pronunciation. We're talking things like probes, mirrors, you name it. But honestly? Most speech therapists over at Suvag have a little mirror or something similar tucked away under their desk anyway. It’s just way easier that way! 🙂

Amanda Sanders44 said:I know they don't use that kind of probe at Suvag because they strictly stick to specialized equipment and hearing aids.
If I were you, I’d just hit up a private clinic if you can swing it. Otherwise, be prepared to wait forever. At least, that's my take. > probably knows better than me!

They actually do use them at Suvag (they just keep it low-key so nobody notices😉), but it doesn't really fit their whole vibe.

Anyway, I'm not sure where you're located. But honestly? If you try to go through your insurance, you're looking at a massive waiting list, just like my friend here said. Plus, you won't get any say in who you see. You'll likely end up at Suvag and just pray you get a great speech therapist instead of a mediocre one. If you go private, it's definitely gonna cost you more upfront. So yeah, it all really comes down to what you can afford right now...

Edward Harris2 said:Thanks, you didn't discourage me at all! If it's just about motivation and practice, I know I can nail it. I wasn't expecting a quick fix anyway. One orthodontist told me my R issue is definitely linked to my frenulum and that I might need surgery, but I’d much rather get a speech therapist's take first. To me, it just makes sense—if I can hit my L sounds, why can't I do the R?

Thanks for the heads-up. Honestly, that same orthodontist who suggested surgery also mentioned this isn't the first time they've had sloppy results at that hospital. Seems a little sketchy to me, right? But hey, what can you do? Best bet is to go see a specialist.

I don't think I'm too slow with it, though, because I can actually pull off a trilled French R. It's not quite perfect, but I know my tongue is totally capable of that vibration!🙂

I'd love it if one of you two could recommend a good spot. I really don't want to end up with some high-strung speech therapist!🙂 Gregory Martinez13, especially if you know a place that uses that specific probe.🙂
Thanks guys!

Pretty much every speech therapist has a probe, but the tool itself doesn't mean much. It's basically just used to help the therapist trigger that R sound so you can see if you're actually capable of doing it...

Anyway, are you looking for a private specialist or going through your insurance?

Edward Harris2 said:Hey there!

I’m 16 and I’ve been struggling with my "R" sounds lately. It’s basically like I have a French accent where the sound comes from the back of my throat instead of that crisp tip-of-the-tongue flick we're supposed to do. Most of the time, people don't even notice, but man, once I hit a complicated word? Total disaster. Especially if there's a "G" or a "K" in there since they all kind of come from the same spot in my throat. Then people just look at me like I'm speaking gibberish! Anyone else dealt with this?

So, I’ve actually dealt with this since I was a literal baby—I was born with a heavy tongue-tie under my lower lip. My parents took me to the hospital back then, but honestly? I don't think they cut enough away to actually fix it. To make matters worse, they never ended up taking me to a speech therapist, which is something I really hold against them. It led to so much teasing and bullying when I was in school, you know? It’s been rough. Honestly, I think it’s finally high time I get this sorted out once and for all!

So, apparently I’m supposed to go back under the knife to get that tie between my tongue and my lip snipped just so I can fix my R sound. But honestly? As far as I can tell, the R sounds pretty much like an L or a D anyway, and I don't have any issues pronouncing anything else! Plus, my tongue is super mobile—I can stick it out or flip it up 90 degrees no problem. I really, really don't want to deal with surgery if I can help it. I mean, who actually wants someone shoving surgical scissors into their mouth to cut some "connection" between their tongue and lip? Not me! So, before I head to a speech therapist for advice (or maybe some therapy), does anyone know if there's a way to fix this without going under the knife?

Also, I’m really wondering—what are the actual odds that speech therapy will even work? I’m sixteen now, so trying to learn how to pronounce letters isn't going to be nearly as easy as it was when I was a little kid. Honestly, just thinking about the possibility of being teased my whole life because of this makes me feel totally hopeless. 😢 I’d probably pack my bags and move to the States just so I wouldn't have to deal with R. Quote anymore! Honestly, who can blame me? 😕

P.S. Look, I get it—you guys might think it’s cute or whatever, but honestly? It really gets to me. It totally kills my confidence and makes me look like a joke. I feel like people aren't taking me seriously at all and I end up getting mocked way too often. And hey, I'm still just in high school!

Thanks so much for all the advice! Seriously, you guys are the best! 🙂

Hey! So, I’m a speech therapist, and I’ve gotta tell you—in my experience, adults actually find it way easier to fix articulation issues than kids do. Especially when it comes to mastering that tricky "R" sound, particularly with that guttural style you've got going on. Don't let that discourage you, though! I just want you to be prepared so you aren't expecting a quick two-week fix and calling it a day. Why do I think adults have the edge? It all comes down to motivation. Fixing this takes a ton of practice, and you need serious drive to stick with it. Little kids? They honestly don't care how they sound! They'll do thirty minutes of exercises with their therapist, head home, and then completely forget about it until their next appointment. That makes progress nearly impossible. But adults who are actually motivated? Those folks hit the exercises at the clinic AND follow through with the homework at home? The results are absolutely killer!🙂🙂 Honestly, it all comes down to motivation, and man, you’ve definitely got plenty of that! As for those little sub-phonetic quirks, here's my two cents: if you can nail the "L" sound without any trouble, then you're already halfway there. A speech therapist will give you the final verdict once they check you out, but I really don't think it'll be a major hurdle. Think about it—an "R" is basically just an "L" with some extra vibration added in, right? So, if your tongue is mobile enough to hit the "L," you just need to find that sweet spot and add the buzz!

I'm rooting for you! Sending all the good vibes your way!🙂

gentletrucker15 said:Like the title says, I'm wondering if there's any way to strengthen my vocal cords? My job involves talking a ton for long stretches, and I constantly lose my voice—the hoarseness sticks around for weeks. Is there a way to prevent this or actually build up vocal strength?

Seriously, go see a speech therapist who specializes in voice disorders. You might even need to check in with an ENT just in case you've developed vocal nodules or something from straining too hard. Basically, they'll give you a whole toolkit of exercises and tips on vocal hygiene. Honestly, pro singers deal with these exact same issues all the time! If you don't want to see a specialist, the one thing you *can* control is staying hydrated while you're working—you gotta keep those vocal cords from drying out. Also, quit smoking if you do, and stop shouting! And hey, when you're already hoarse, DO NOT WHISPER, because that actually makes things worse... But honestly? A speech therapist is your best bet. It’s possible your speaking mechanics are just off, which could lead to something like hyperkinetic dysphonia.