ENTAA Care’s speech pathologists (SLPs) provide specialized evaluation and treatment for patients with disorders affecting voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. In the otolaryngology (ENT) setting, speech-language pathologists work closely with otolaryngologists and other medical professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses both the structural and functional aspects of communication and swallowing.

One of the primary roles of the SLP team at ENTAA Care is the assessment and management of voice disorders. Patients may be referred for hoarseness, vocal fatigue, loss of vocal range, or other voice changes. These symptoms may be related to conditions such as vocal fold nodules, polyps, cysts, paralysis, or laryngeal inflammation. The SLP often performs a perceptual voice assessment and uses acoustic and aerodynamic measurements to evaluate vocal quality, pitch, loudness, and efficiency. Working in tandem with the physician’s findings from laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy, the SLP develops an individualized treatment plan that may include vocal hygiene education, therapeutic exercises, and strategies to optimize vocal technique.

In addition to voice care, the SLP team is instrumental in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Dysphagia may stem from head and neck cancer, neurological conditions, structural abnormalities, or post-surgical changes. The SLP may perform a clinical swallowing evaluation or conduct instrumental assessments, such as flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Based on the results, therapy may target safe swallowing strategies, strengthening exercises, diet modifications, or coordination of care for surgical or medical interventions.

Upper airway disorders, including exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO), and chronic cough, is another focus area of the SLP team at ENTAA Care. These conditions often present with breathing difficulty or persistent throat symptoms, which can be misdiagnosed as asthma or reflux. The SLP provides behavioral interventions to retrain breathing patterns, reduce laryngeal hypersensitivity, and restore normal airway function.

Collaboration is central to ENTAA Care’s practice. The SLP team works closely with ENTAA Care’s 11 otolaryngologists (including two fellowship-trained laryngologists) and two nurse practitioners. By sharing assessment findings, progress updates, and treatment recommendations, the SLP team and physician can coordinate care to maximize patient outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that treatment is tailored not only to the anatomical findings, but also to the patient’s functional needs and personal goals.

Call 410-760-8840 today to schedule an appointment to address your voice, swallowing, breathing, or chronic cough needs with the ENTAA Care team.

The following services are offered:

• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
  • A flexible scope is passed through the nasal cavity to visualize swallow function related to structures in the mouth and throat, above the esophagus. Food coloring is added to various consistencies of food and liquid to better visualize swallowing. The speech pathologist may instruct the patient on compensatory strategies during the exam. *As normal sensation is needed to accurately assess swallow function, no anesthetic is used during this test.
• Respiratory Retraining for Upper Airway Disorders
• Swallow Evaluation/Therapy
• Videostroboscopy (in conjunction with ENT)
  • Prior to the exam, an anesthetic and decongestant nasal spray is applied for patient comfort. A flexible scope is passed through the nasal cavity to view the vocal folds and surrounding anatomy. The scope is attached to a machine that contains a strobe light, which makes the vibrations of the vocal folds appear in slow motion. The exam is video recorded for review by the physician and patient education immediately following the test. *Occasionally, this test may be performed using a rigid endoscope placed in the mouth, with anesthetic applied to the back of the tongue.
• Voice Therapy

Note: There is no prep needed for videostroboscopy and FEES, and patients may eat and drink as preferred prior to both exams.

Laryngoscope route for FEES and videostroboscopy