What to expect with tests and procedures at the Northeast ENT Speech and Swallowing Disorders Clinic:
FEES Examination
A FEES exam stands for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing and involves a fiberoptic flexible thin scope that is passed through the nose and into the throat to observe swallowing in real time. A patient is asked to eat solids and drink liquids and careful observation is made of the timing and efficiency of the swallow. This detailed examination allows for diagnosis of swallowing disorders and, most importantly, identification of aspiration (when food or liquid enters the airway). It is well-tolerated and not painful and can be completed in under 15 minutes.
TNE (transnasal esophagoscopy)
Transnasal Esophagoscopy involves passing a flexible scope through your nose and throat and into the esophagus by your ear, nose and throat doctor. You will be given topical numbing medication to the nose and back of the throat to minimize discomfort. Careful examination of your esophagus is then performed and a small brush biopsy of the tissue near your stomach is completed. The entire procedure is usually completed within 10 minutes and is usually well-tolerated. You are free to leave the office after the procedure and because you have not had any sedation, you are free to drive yourself home. The biopsy is sent to pathology and evaluated. You will return two weeks later to review the pathology results with your doctor in the office.
Voice Evaluation
A voice evaluation is performed by our Speech and Language Pathologist who specializes in voice disorders. It involves a thorough assessment of your vocal behaviors and voice quality including pitch, volume, and degree of hoarseness. Voice therapy may be recommended to help the voice return to normal.
Voice Therapy
Therapy involves establishing proper vocal health and voice behaviors that will help the vocal cords to heal if they are damaged. Modifying and improving such things as breath support and speaking technique is addressed through voice therapy. In some cases, vocal exercises are prescribed to help restore vocal fold health.
Laryngeal Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy is a procedure to look more closely at the larynx (“voice box”) and vocal cords in your throat. It involves the use of a special “strobe” light that is connected to a rigid scope and camera. This scope is passed into the back of the mouth and images of the vocal cords are obtained. This test is performed in our office by our Speech and Language Pathologist. It is relatively easy to do and is not painful. Your exam is digitally recorded and then presented and explained to you following the procedure. Your video recording is then reviewed with your ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Patient Information Documents
Below are some links that provide some general information about our Speech and Swallowing Disorders Clinic and common problems we treat.
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