Symptoms:
• Swallowing Issues
• Voice Issues
• Aspiration Pneumonia
Most people’s careers depend on their voices. This is obvious for singers and those in the theater arts. But it isn’t as intuitive for teachers, attorneys and other professionals. So, although the former group will need medical care for their voices, the latter group comprises a significant number of patients we treat.
Laryngology: Voice and Swallowing
Most people’s careers depend on their voices. This is obvious for singers and those in the theater arts. It also applies to teachers, attorneys and other professionals. So, although the former group will need medical care for their voices, the latter group comprises a significant number of patients treated in the Ithaca Voice and Swallowing Clinic. By combining the expertise of the otolaryngologist and a speech pathologist the patients receive the most comprehensive evaluation possible. Often speech therapy is prescribed.
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is the leading cause of death after stroke. It is also one of the most debilitating problems with progressive neurologic disorders such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease. In the past the only way to evaluate a patients swallowing was with an x-ray called a modified barium swallow or video swallow. Since the development of Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), the physician and therapist are able to evaluate a patient’s swallowing function in the outpatient clinic, without exposure to radiation and with comfort. During the evaluation we can assess the benefit of various therapeutic swallowing strategies/maneuvers. After swallowing therapy the patient is reevaluated.
Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing)
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly.
About Your Voice
It may come as a surprise to you the variety of medical conditions that can lead to voice problems. Click the button to the Left to learn more.