Center for Voice and Swallowing
Tel. No (632)8988-1000 ext. 6251
The Center for Voice and Swallowing is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including a High-Definition Digital Laryngeal Strobe system and a Fiberoptic and Distal Chip Laryngoscope. These tools allow for non-invasive outpatient procedures like Laryngeal Videoendostroboscopy (LVES) and Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy (TFL) with biopsy. They also perform procedures such as laryngeal EMG and injection laryngoplasty to treat vocal cord paralysis and conduct endoscopic evaluations with sensory testing for patients with swallowing issues.
The center also has a certified Speech Language Pathologist who can help patients with voice and swallowing problems through Speaking Interventional Therapy.
Laryngeal Videoendostroboscopy (LVES) stands as a cutting-edge, minimally invasive endoscopic technique, employing a strobe light to visualize the larynx and assess its vibration. This innovative procedure is instrumental in detecting potential issues within the larynx and throat, enabling precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans for patients.
This office-based diagnostic procedure employs rigid laryngoscopes to assess the larynx and vocal folds. It's used for evaluating individuals with vocal fold tumors or vocal cord paralysis. It plays a crucial role in the comprehensive assessment of the larynx and vocal folds, aiding in the evaluation of patients with vocal fold tumors or vocal cord paralysis, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.
This office-based diagnostic procedure uses Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopes to examine the larynx and vocal folds, aiding in the assessment of individuals with vocal fold tumors or vocal cord paralysis. It offers precise insights for effective treatment planning in such cases.
Utilizing a nose-inserted flexible scope to produce full-screen laryngeal images, this type of test provides an excellent view of the vocal folds during the examination. This advanced method of examination ensures a comprehensive assessment of the vocal folds with its full-screen laryngeal images, offering valuable insights for accurate diagnoses and treatments.
This innovative procedure allows for previously sedation-required biopsy and therapeutic procedures to be conducted using a flexible scope inserted through the nasal passage, eliminating the need for sedation. By avoiding sedation, patients can experience these vital procedures with increased comfort and reduced associated risks.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a standard method for assessing individuals with swallowing difficulties. A flexible scope is inserted trans-nasally to observe laryngeal and pharyngeal structures. The clinician assesses swallowing by administering various food consistencies, providing real-time feedback recorded for review.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing (FEEST) is a unique procedure that assesses both sensory and motor aspects of swallowing. It involves inserting a sheath with an air pulse port into a flexible scope, stimulating laryngeal areas with calibrated air pulses, and quantitatively measuring sensory discriminating thresholds while observing the laryngeal adductor reflex.
Laryngeal Electromyography (L-EMG) is conducted to analyze laryngeal muscle activity. It involves inserting a fine needle, similar to an acupuncture needle, into the voice box to measure electrical potentials. Although it may cause momentary discomfort, the test lasts only a few minutes and is typically free of complications.
Electromyography (EMG)-Guided Botox Injection for Spastic Dysphonia (BOTOX) offers relief for patients with laryngeal focal dystonia, resulting in strained vocal quality. Botox is injected into the thyroarytenoid muscle using a small needle, administered to the anterior neck area. The process is guided by a portable EMG unit, ensuring precise needle placement.
Electroglottography (EGG) synchronizes electroglottographic waveforms with strobed vocal fold images. Done at the Center for Voice and Swallowing, it confirms vocal fold adduction and optionally serves as a pitch triggering device, aiding in vocal assessment and analysis.
The Digital Strobe Voice Analysis Program (DSVAP) measures acoustic parameters for pre- and post-treatment comparisons. It utilizes high-fidelity voice recordings analyzed through the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program, aiding in comprehensive voice assessment and treatment evaluation.
The Interventional Therapy (Vocal Fitness/Rehabilitation Program) employs strategies to restore lost voice due to vocal abuse, misuse, or medical conditions. It is conducted by experienced speech-language pathologists, helping individuals regain vocal health and function.
Singing Interventional Therapy (Vocal Coaching) provides individuals with the opportunity to enhance and refine their singing style. Our in-house trainer offers expert guidance to help individuals achieve their desired vocal performance and style improvements.
The Speech & Language Rehabilitation Program supports patients with communication challenges resulting from stroke or other neurological conditions. It aids in enhancing receptive language skills and promotes effective communication for individuals on their path to recovery.
The Swallowing Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients with swallowing difficulties stemming from stroke and neurological conditions. It includes exercises to enhance swallowing muscle coordination and stimulate swallow reflex nerves. Additionally, strategies for safer swallowing and feeding are implemented to improve overall quality of life.