Speech/Voice problems... anyone notice that their voice is deeper? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

TMJsucks · 04-21-2008, 08:33 AM

I was diagnosed with TMJ 6 months ago and I'm currently being treated. My most annoying symptom is my decline in speech and voice. My voice seems raspy at times, deeper, and I slur my words sometimes, heck sometimes my throat feels so tight I can barely get the words out. I hate this.

Can everyone describe what you experience with their speech and voice so I don't feel as alone? No one around me understands what I'm experiencing and literally it's so isolating and depressing.

Thank you.

allison3tkb · 04-28-2008, 02:43 PM

Hi, I have noticed that my s's do not sound right. Sounds like I slur any word that ends in a S. I think it could be one or two things or both. Jaw out of alignment, tounge hits teeth differently on certain words. OR it could be muscular, tounge just might be reacting slower than normal. My biggest worry with my tmd right now is how much my face has changed. My temples are sunken in and my cheek bones are very pronounced, not swollen but bone is visible. Scary when your appearance starts to change. I agree with you TMJ sucks.

blu · 05-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Although I am new to this board, I am not new to TMJD. I have suffered with this for over 5 years and I am currently undergoing treatment (week 7). However, the title of your post alerted me - I am a speech-language pathologist. If you are having voice or articulation changes, I would recommend a visit to the ENT. TMJD affects each patient differently; however, these changes that you have mentioned are concerning to me from a professional point of view. Ask your dentist or PCP for a referral and get checked out. You want to make sure that any changes that your body is undergoing for treatment is not adversely affecting your voice or speech production. You also want to be sure that there is not something else going on in your system that may be the root of the problem. Good Luck to ALL!

allison3tkb · 05-10-2008, 06:33 AM

Hi my speech problems have gotten better. I think that "TMJsucks" has a harder time with voice and speech changes than I do. I am curious about your treatment. What are you doing now? Has it helped you? Are you wearing a upper or lower splint? Have your teeth moved a lot or just a little? Has pain went away? Sorry for so many questions but I am going through treatment too and am awaiting for my lower appliance to be made. I will get it on May 28. Thank you for responding ! Allison

jorgepl22 · 05-13-2008, 12:24 PM

Hey ,
I have exactly the same symptoms as you and it's completely depressing! The most annoying thing is that nobody seems to understand it.
Are there days when you feel much better and can get words out much more freely? I think the last time I felt really great was about 3 months ago but that was only for a few days.

Im getting braces and an operation to align my jaw, but I'm really not sure whether this will solve the problem.
It's just so hard to talk and I find myself changing words all the time. So for example, rather than say, "im going to sleep" before saying it i think its much easier to say" im going to bed" and thats what i do, otherwise it's just such an effort to say a word like "sleep".

My name is Jorge btw, hopefully hear from you soon.