The Oral Evaluation and Swallowing Screen is the initial test to understand the sensations and movements of parts of your mouth and throat. Your speech-language pathologist observes these movements and asks you about what you feel during eating and drinking and in tasks where you are not eating or drinking (stick out your tongue, move your jaw). Although this test cannot show us your chewing or swallowing function because they are hidden and only seen with medical imaging equipment, it is a necessary first step because it provides useful information about your chewing and swallowing concerns and your medical history.

Also known as a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) or a videofluoroscopic study (VFSS), this radiologic examination allows us to see the anatomy and physiology of the swallow. It provides the roadmap to understanding the “why” of your swallow dysfunction. It is the only way to see the swallow. In this test, you will consume food and drinks infused with barium (a white substance that is visible on x-ray), allowing us to visualize the path that food and drinks take as they pass from your mouth to your stomach. We will be able to answer questions like: Does the food get stuck or go down the wrong pipe? If so, why?. This test primarily focuses on the mouth and throat.

The FEES diagnostic test involves passing a flexible tube, with a camera at the end, through your nose and down your throat. We examine the nasal passage, soft palate, voice box (larynx), throat (pharynx), and upper esophageal sphincter. FEES visualizes your anatomy just before and after you swallow. During this test, you will eat and drink various foods and liquids to help us understand more about your swallow. We will also ask you to perform other tasks (i.e. speech and coughing). Although this test does not show the swallow, we can see a live, color video of your throat and your vocal cords.

After completing the necessary swallowing evaluations, our goal is to create your personalized plan of care for swallowing therapy, if needed. Therapy sessions are conducted with the “whole you” approach. This means that we want to help you to achieve the most functional swallow for your lifestyle. Treatments might include modifying or eliminating certain types of foods and liquids, swallowing with the head and neck in alternate positions, practicing swallowing exercises, using medical devices, substitute / alternate forms of nutrition and hydration (feeding tube), or referrals to other specialists for medical procedures or surgery.

Family consultation and training: Swallowing impairments rarely affect only one person. When caregivers and family members are an important part of your healthcare team, they are welcomed to participate in your journey toward eating and drinking. 

Referrals to Medical Specialists: Sometimes it takes a multidisciplinary team to manage swallowing disorders (dysphagia). We work closely with a network of medical specialists who provide relevant services. Together, we are committed to making a meaningful, positive impact on your swallow function.

Even people without diagnosed swallowing disorders (dysphagia) can have a little trouble swallowing. Do you have concerns about swallowing pills, pain during swallowing or simply want peace of mind about your ability to swallow normally? Swallowing Wellness offers Pill and Swallowing Well Checks for anyone who has concerns about their swallowing function.

Baseline Swallow Function - Were you recently diagnosed with a disorder that will eventually worsen your swallow? We offer baseline and follow up testing to track your swallow function over time.