Glossary of Communication Disorder Terms

Labyrinth: organ of balance located in the inner ear. The labyrinth consists of three semicircular canals and the vestibule.
Labyrinthine hydrops: excessive fluid in the organ of balance (labyrinth); can cause pressure or fullness in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, and loss of balance.
Labyrinthitis: viral or bacterial infection or inflammation of the inner ear that can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and temporary hearing loss.
Landau-Kleffner syndrome: childhood disorder of unknown origin which often extends into adulthood and can be identified by gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand and use spoken language.
Language: system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs, or marks.
Language disorders: any of a number of problems with verbal communication and the ability to use or understand a symbol system for communication.
Laryngeal neoplasms: abnormal growths in the larynx (voice box) that can be cancerous or noncancerous.
Laryngeal nodules: noncancerous, callous-like growths on the inner parts of the vocal folds (vocal cords); usually caused by vocal abuse or misuse.
Laryngeal paralysis: loss of function or feeling of one or both of the vocal folds caused by injury or disease to the nerves of the larynx.
Laryngectomy: surgery to remove part or all of the larynx (voice box).
Laryngitis: hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal folds (vocal cords).
Laryngoplasty: laryngeal framework surgery of a paralysed vocal cord to help strengthen the voice - a window in the thyroid cartilage is created and an implant is inserted into the para-glottic space via an open approach.
Larynx: valve structure between the trachea (windpipe) and the pharynx (the upper throat) that is the primary organ of voice production.
Learning disabilities: childhood disorders characterized by difficulty with certain skills such as reading or writing in individuals with normal intelligence.