Restoring Expression & Function: Voice and Swallowing Evaluation What is the Voice & Swallowing Pathway? This pathway focuses on the intricate coordination of the muscles and nerves within the larynx and esophagus. Voice disorders (dysphonia) and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) often overlap, as both rely on the healthy movement of the vocal folds and the protective mechanisms of the airway. Our experts utilize Videostroboscopy, the gold standard for voice evaluation. This involves a high-speed, flashing light source coupled with a transnasal or transoral camera to view the vocal folds in "slow motion." This allows us to see the mucosal wave and tiny vibrations that are invisible to the naked eye. For swallowing, we may perform a FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), where we observe the throat’s mechanics in real-time while you eat or drink. Why is this Procedure Personally Vital for You? Voice and swallowing are fundamental to your social identity and physical survival. This pathway is personally vital for you if: You Experience Persistent Hoarseness: If your voice has changed for more than three weeks, a specialized evaluation is critical to rule out vocal nodules, polyps, or more serious lesions. You Have the Sensation of Something "Stuck" (Globus): Chronic throat clearing or the feeling of a lump in the throat often points to underlying reflux (LPR) or muscular tension. Swallowing is Painful or Difficult: If you experience coughing while eating or feel that food is "going down the wrong way," we must stabilize the airway to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Professional Voice Demands: For singers, teachers, or public speakers, even minor "glitches" in the vocal fold vibration can end a career. We provide the mapping needed for precision rehabilitation. The Path to Laryngeal Stability and Recovery The goal of the Laryngology pathway is to restore a "clear glottal gap" and rhythmic swallowing patterns while stabilizing the delicate mucosal lining. This pathway is designed to: Provide 4K High-Definition Visual Mapping: We capture frame-by-frame data of your vocal fold closure to identify exactly where the "leak" or "stiffness" is occurring. Ensure Clinical Readiness through Rigorous Screening: To ensure your symptoms aren''t related to neurological or systemic conditions, we require a full medical history (including acid reflux screening), diagnostic X-rays (specifically a chest X-ray for surgical/anesthesia clearance), and comprehensive blood tests (including thyroid function and inflammatory markers). A Focused Recovery and Stabilization Window: Whether your treatment involves "vocal cord injection," laser therapy for a lesion, or intensive swallowing therapy, the delicate tissues of the throat require a period of rest. We focus on a 2–3 week recovery and stabilization period. This window is essential for "vocal hygiene" (often including periods of voice rest), for the reduction of tissue edema (swelling), and for our medical board to confirm your airway protection is perfectly stabilized before you return to full vocal or dietary exertion. All details are subject to doctor evaluation for the final treatment plan.