San Antonio ENT delivers speech services as part of our multidisciplinary ear, nose, and throat care. We use state-of-the-art equipment to assess and treat voice and swallowing issues. Our speech pathologists work closely with our other team members with specialized training in assisting adults with voice and swallowing issues.
Specialty Care for Voice and Swallowing Concerns
San Antonio ENT also provides several specialized services and accepts patients from other practices looking for tailored solutions unavailable elsewhere. Some of our specialty services include:
Endoscopy Diagnosis for Swallowing Difficulties
A small, thin device known as an endoscope, tipped with a tiny camera and light, may be used in diagnosis. We offer a comprehensive examination called a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) with sensory testing. During this exam, an endoscope is passed through the nose. FEES allows real-time review of internal structures. Incorporated sensory tests involve exposing areas of the throat to stimuli, enabling healthcare professionals to evaluate the nervous system’s responses. The procedure helps identify abnormalities, such as impaired sensation or coordination, that may contribute to swallowing difficulties.
Diagnosis of Speech Disorders with Videostroboscopy
Laryngeal videostroboscopy is a diagnostic tool used to assess issues in the larynx, or voice box. During this procedure, a specialized endoscope is inserted through the mouth. The camera captures stop-motion images of the vocal folds, allowing their high-speed vibratory patterns to be viewed in freeze-frame progression. This helps isolate irregularities in the vocal cords’ function and guide appropriate treatment plans.
McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program
The McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program is a specialized therapeutic approach addressing dysphagia, a medical term for swallowing difficulty (from the Greek “dys” meaning “difficulty” or “abnormality,” and “phagia” meaning “eating” or “swallowing”). This program focuses on personalized evaluations and interventions to improve the coordination and muscle function involved in swallowing using a combination of exercises and sensory-motor techniques.
VitalStim® Therapy for Swallowing Disorders
VitalStim therapy is a specialized approach that uses Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to improve muscle strength and coordination. This may be especially helpful in patients with facial nerve disorders or reduced muscle control. Under the direction of an ENT specialist, electrodes are placed on the skin, and electrical currents are used to stimulate contractions in targeted muscles, aiding in muscle re-education and rehabilitation of the swallowing process.
Respiratory Retraining
The Buteyko Breathing Method, developed by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko in the 1950s, is a therapeutic approach designed to retrain and enhance breathing efficiency. The ultimate goal is to normalize breathing patterns. Widely used for respiratory issues like asthma and COPD, Buteyko is also believed to offer broader health benefits, such as stress reduction, improved sleep, and overall well-being.
Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction Treatment
Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD) is a condition where the vocal cords, which are supposed to open during inhalation and close during exhalation, behave in reverse. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the throat, often mimicking asthma. Once this condition is diagnosed using our diagnostic tools, San Antonio ENT will provide treatment options, including breathing exercises, speech therapy, and, in some cases, medications to improve vocal cord function.
Laryngectomy Care, Including TEP
A laryngectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the voice box. The method creates a stoma or opening in the neck. A Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP), a small hole between the windpipe and esophagus, is created concurrently to restore speech. Individuals can produce speech sounds by covering the stoma and manipulating throat and mouth muscles. While TEP restores verbal communication, it requires speech therapy and rehabilitation for optimal results. This specialized care is available at San Antonio ENT.
