Profile of speech impairments in HIV- infected individuals: A preliminary study

Abstract

Infection due to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause damage to both the central and peripheral 
nervous systems and result in disorders of communication. Progressive decline in speech behaviours in HIV 
infected individuals have been documented in Western literature (Flower and Sooy, 1987). This study aims to 
create a database of speech impairments seen in individuals with HIV infection to reflect the need for 
assessment and management of communication skills. 15 males with HIV infection between the age ranges of 
18 - 40 years were included in the study. The deviant speech characteristics was profiled on the parameters in 
Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment. 93.3% of the participants demonstrated speech impairments which ranged 
across the participants. Most affected were parameters of tongue and laryngeal functions followed by reflex, 
respiration, lip functions and intelligibility parameters. Jaw and soft palate functions were not affected in any of 
the participants. It can be concluded that HIV infection results in speech impairments in the affected 
individuals. But this conclusion has to be generalized with caution since only 15 participants were involved in 
this study. Further research considering the effects of medication, opportunistic infections and disease 
duration is suggested.