In the ENT setting, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in the evaluation and treatment ofadult and geriatric voice, speech and swallowing disorders. Ongoing collaboration with our otolaryngology team facilitates comprehensive, evidence-based care to help patients regain function and improve quality of life.
Conditions We Assess and Treat
- Voice disorders, including hoarseness, vocal strain/effort, paralysis, nodules/polyps/cysts, and age-related voice changes
- Swallowing disorders, including difficulties managing food and liquid in the mouth or throat, aspiration and neurologic-related swallowing disorders
- Upper airway and functional disorders, including vocal cord dysfunction, difficulty breathing during high-intensity exercise or exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), laryngospasms, and chronic cough.
Diagnostic Services We Provide
- Videostroboscopy, which uses light to illuminate your vocal folds to show any abnormal function
- Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing or FEES, which uses a camera to determine if you are struggling with the part of swallowing where food and liquid pass through your throat
- Comprehensive voice evaluation, which evaluates the quality, function and overall health of your voice
- Motor speech evaluations – to diagnose disorders affecting the planning, coordination, and strength of speech musculature such as dysarthria or apraxia.
Therapeutic Services
Based on your assessment results, medical history and personal goals, our provider will provide a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Our team will be here to support you if you have any concerns as you begin treatment.
If you’re experiencing a voice, swallowing, and/or speech disorder, our customized treatment plans will reduce its impact on your life. Treatment is just a phone call away.
Voice Therapy: Targets disorders involving vocal quality, pitch, loudness, and vocal endurance. Therapeutic approaches typically involve or include a combination of the following:
- Vocal hygiene/education
- Resonant Voice Therapy
- Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises/strengthening (SOVT)
- Respiratory support training
- Stretching and relaxation techniques
- Behavioral and environmental modifications
Dysphagia Therapy: Focuses on improving safety and efficiency of eating/drinking while maximizing nutrition/hydration and quality of life. Therapeutic approaches include one or a combination of the following:
- Evidence based swallow exercises
- Compensatory strategies
- Dietary texture and consistencies modifications
- Education to patient, family, and/or caregivers.