SPEECH PATHOLOGY & VOICE THERAPY

The Speech Language Pathology team at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of New York, P.C. is comprised of professionals with highly specialized training in the areas of voice, swallow, breathing disorders, and throat reflux. This makes our team one of the most unique in the New York and Long Island area. With this specialized background, our Speech Language Pathologists are fully equipped to diagnose and support in the treatment of specific throat disorders. Based on the examination of one of our ENT or Allergy providers, it may be determined that one of our Speech Language Pathology tests should be conducted to evaluate and help diagnose specific vocal, swallowing, and reflux disorders. Your vocal health is extremely important, and our team of experts work collaboratively to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

Common conditions

VOICE CHANGE

Hoarseness or voice changes should be addressed by a professional persisting 2+ weeks

Hoarseness and voice changes most commonly occur due (but are not limited) to:

  • Infections causing pharyngitis or laryngitis
  • Vocal strain or vocal misuse (extended talking, loud talking, yelling/screaming)
  • Vocal cord lesions that may be related to the behaviors named above
  • Vocal cord paralysis (resulting from stroke, surgery, or even a virus)
  • Smoking
  • Throat reflux
  • Cancer/malignant growth on the vocal cord(s)

Therapy may be warranted based on examination of the vocal cords

COUGH/BREATHING

A cough is considered chronic when it lasts for 8+ weeks. Patients with chronic cough typically gain minimal relief from medications or other treatments. The cough is usually dry and can be triggered by strong smells

Signs of upper airway breathing issues:

  • Involve a tightness sensation near the upper chest/lower throat area
  • Unresponsive to inhalers or other asthma or allergy treatments
  • May be triggered by exertion, strong smells, or stress

Therapy may help control both chronic cough and upper respiratory breathing issues

SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY

Whether patients have mild discomfort swallowing or choking and coughing during meals, a swallowing evaluation should be performed.

Difficulty swallowing can be caused by a number of problems including:

  • Throat infection
  • Neurologic disorders including stroke, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s
  • Cancer of the head and neck
  • Intubation
  • Medications
  • Surgery

Therapy can help improve swallow safety and strength

LUMP IN THE THROAT

Feeling like you have a "lump in the throat" is a common symptom often related to throat reflux, which is differentiated from the more typical GERD, which is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest. 

Lump in the throat sensation related to throat reflux:

    • May be associated with throat clearing 
    • May be associated with phlegm 
    • Often occurs more in the morning 
    • Often felt more when swallowing saliva vs. during meals 
    • Reflux management may help lesson this lump sensation 

Lump in the throat sensation should also be evaluated to rule out any anatomical or physiological changes, which may include:

      • Throat infection (pharyngitis or laryngitis)
      • Cancer of the head/neck
      • Complications from intubation
      • Complications from head/neck surgery
      • Medications

Your doctor may refer you to the Speech Pathologist for further assessment of your lump in the throat sensation using stroboscopy, FEES, or Restech exams.

OCCUPATIONAL VOICE/SINGING VOICE

Anyone who uses their voice for work (singers, actors, coaches, preachers, teachers, lawyers, call center operators, etc.) is considered an occupational voice user. Depending on the voice issue and diagnosis, these individuals may benefit from voice therapy tailored to meet their occupational needs.

Common professional or singing voice complaints include:

  • Vocal fatigue with use
  • Decreased vocal range
  • Large breaks in vocal registers
  • Decreased volume in speaking or singing voice

Therapy may be warranted based on examination of the vocal cords

Services Provided

STROBOSCOPY

A Stroboscopy is a test that uses a rigid scope in the mouth to visualize the vocal cords in slow motion. Your Speech Pathologist will be able to assess the structure and function of the vocal cords and collaborate with your ENT to determine a diagnosis.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Hoarseness/voice changes (“dysphonia”)
  • Throat reflux-related symptoms (“LPR”)
  • Lump-in-the-throat sensation (“globus”)
FEES TEST

A FEES test (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow) utilizes a flexible scope in the nose to assess real-time swallowing and other throat conditions in order to determine the source of the patient’s throat discomfort.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Swallow difficulty or discomfort
  • Throat reflux-related discomfort
  • Chronic cough or upper airway breathing difficulty
RESTECH

RESTECH is the gold standard for throat reflux testing (“LPR”). Our Speech Pathology team is highly specialized in administering this test that gets to the source of the patient’s reflux concerns. A thin probe is carefully placed in the nose and reflux levels are monitored for 18-24 hours.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Throat reflux
  • Bile reflux
VOICE THERAPY

Our voice therapy services are individualized to help the needs of our adult and adolescent patients. Voice therapy may be recommended for those who are experiencing hoarseness and voice changes, chronic cough, or upper airway breathing issues. Our voice therapy services are also sought out amongst professional voice users and singers.

Services Provided

STROBOSCOPY

A Stroboscopy is a test that uses a rigid scope in the mouth to visualize the vocal cords in slow motion. Your Speech Provider will be able to assess the function of the vocal cords and determine a diagnosis.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Hoarseness/voice changes (“dysphonia”)
  • Throat reflux-related symptoms (“LPR”)
  • Lump-in-the-throat sensation (“globus”)
FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallow)

A FEES test utilizes a flexible scope in the nose to assess real-time swallowing and other throat conditions in order to determine the source of the patient’s throat discomfort.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Swallow difficulty or discomfort
  • Throat reflux-related discomfort
  • Chronic cough or upper airway breathing difficulty
RESTECH

RESTECH is the gold standard for throat reflux testing (“LPR”). Our Speech Pathology team is highly specialized in administering this test that gets to the source of the patient’s reflux concerns. A thin probe is carefully placed in the nose and reflux levels are monitored for 18-24 hours.

Conditions Assessed:

  • Throat reflux
  • Bile reflux
VOICE THERAPY

Our voice therapy services are individualized to help the needs of our adult and adolescent patients. Voice therapy may be recommended for those who are experiencing hoarseness and voice changes, chronic cough, upper airway breathing issues. Our voice therapy services are also sought out amongst professional voice users and singers.

SWALLOW THERAPY

Swallow Therapy is available for adults with a swallowing problem (“dysphagia”). This highly specialized clinical form of therapy helps bring confidence, as well as important strategies, to those who have difficulty swallowing.

  • Positioning strategies
  • Swallowing maneuvers
  • Modification of food/liquid consistencies

WHAT TO EXPECT

After your ENT or Allergy provider has recommended testing with our Speech Pathology team, we will help take your treatment to the next level for the most comprehensive care - through our exams, patient education, and therapy services. We are the only Speech Pathology team around with such specialized providers and are ready to help you feel better!

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