Guides for patients and families
Guides for communicating when you can't speak
There are many reasons someone can hear and understand everything but cannot speak or be understood. Each situation is different. These guides explain, in plain words and with sources, what can happen and how to communicate in the meantime.
- After a laryngectomyThe three ways to speak again and how to communicate in the meantime.
- After a strokeWhen speaking or being understood gets hard: what can happen and how to help.
- With ALS (MND)Communicating as speech changes, and saving your voice in time.
- With a tracheostomy or in the ICUHow to talk with a loved one who is awake but cannot use their voice.
- During voice restDays or weeks without speaking after vocal fold surgery.
- After tongue or mouth surgeryWhen it's hard to be understood, while therapy moves forward.
These guides are for information only and do not replace care from your healthcare team.