Glossary of Communication Disorder Terms

Tactile: related to touch or the sense of touch.
Tactile devices: mechanical instruments that make use of touch to help individuals who have certain disabilities, such as deaf-blindness, to communicate.
Throat disorders: disorders or diseases of the larynx (voice box), pharynx, or esophagus.
Thyroplasty: surgical technique(s) to improve the human voice by altering single or multiple structures of the larynx, which houses the vocal folds (vocal cords) with the related controlling nerves, muscles, and cartilage. Typically, this surgery is considered to improve the position or tension of the vocal folds which can improve vocal volume and production. This is also known as laryngeal framework surgery. The most common technique may be to insert small blocks of custom-shaped silastin just inside of the tracheal wall, pushing the vocal fold muscle inward (medialization). This typically strengthens the output of a weaker voice but it also reduces the exchange volume of pulmonary function, as the tracheal opening has been permanently reduced. This surgery is named for its proximity to the thyroid gland.
Tinnitus: sensation of a ringing, roaring, or buzzing sound in the ears or head. It is often associated with many forms of hearing impairment. Noise exposure and inner ear infections are but two predisposing conditions which can lead to the development of tinnitus.
Tongue: large muscle on the floor of the mouth that manipulates food for chewing and swallowing. It is the main organ of taste, and assists in forming speech sounds.
Touch: tactile sense; the sense by which contact with the skin or mucous membrane is experienced.
Tourette syndrome: neurological disorder characterized by recurring movements and sounds (called tics).
Tracheostomy: surgical opening into the trachea (windpipe) to help someone breathe who has an obstruction or swelling in the larynx (voice box) or upper throat or who has had the larynx surgically removed.
Tuberous Sclerosis: Hereditary disease with multiorgan manifestation. Typical symptoms are epileptic seizures, autism, skin disorders, and renal tumors.
Tympanoplasty: surgical repair of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) or bones of the middle ear.