Communication Support Before, During, and After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Many individuals who receive treatment for head and neck cancer experience alterations in their communication. Whether they undergo surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or a combination of these three options, there are short-term side effects of treatment for some and profound long-term alterations for others. It is known that many individuals can benefit from communication support during this critical time, yet relatively little is known about the best approaches to address this need. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) encompasses many different types of communication supports, including “no-technology” tools, “low-technology” speech-generating devices, and “high-technology” devices that include many different operations and fulfill multiple needs. Speech-generating devices (SGDs) have been shown to be beneficial in the acute-care setting, such as during an inpatient hospitalization, as well as for patients who are unable to develop a functional long-term speech method, such as after total laryngectomy with total glossectomy. Research has shown that such technology can successfully support verbal communication in a variety of contexts. This chapter provides information on the use of communication supports and their appropriateness across the cancer treatment period. Criteria for device and software selection will be outlined. Finally, this chapter addresses the changing role of the speech-language pathologist and incorporation of technology into the medical continuum for those treated for head and neck cancers.