Voice and Swallowing Program

If you’re having trouble with your voice or swallowing, it can affect every part of your daily life. This can include speaking clearly, enjoying meals, or even breathing comfortably.  

At WMCHealth, our Voice and Swallowing Program is designed to restore these essential functions. Whether you depend on your voice for your career (like singers, teachers, or public speakers), or you’re looking for relief from swallowing or breathing difficulties, our specialists can help.  

Our team of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists can help you feel and function better, including: 

• Laryngologists: ENT doctors who specialize in voice and airway conditions 
• Speacialized speech-language pathologists (SLPs): therapists who address voice, breathing, and swallowing problems 

Together, we evaluate your condition and provide treatments that target the source of the problem. At WMCHealth, we believe that everyone deserves a voice. 

Voice, Upper Airway, and Swallowing Conditions Treatment Capabilities

Voice Therapy 

Voice therapy is a specialized and personalized program designed to improve vocal strength, flexibility, and function. It is provided by speech-language pathologists with advanced training in voice disorders. Through guided techniques and targeted strategies, voice therapy can help you reduce vocal strain, recover from injury, and keep your voice strong and efficient, whether for everyday communication or your work. 

Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy 

Behavioral cough suppression therapy retrains the reflex to cough and reduces throat clearing. It is led by speech-language pathologists with advanced training in upper airway disorders. This approach helps you control chronic coughing, protect your voice, and speak more comfortably during daily activities. 

Respiratory Retraining Therapy 

Respiratory retraining therapy restores healthy breathing patterns in people with conditions like inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). It is led by speech-language pathologists with advanced training in upper airway disorders. This treatment helps you manage shortness of breath, improve airflow, and breathe more easily day to day. 

Gender and Identity-Affirming Voice Care  

Gender and identity-affirming voice care (GAVC) helps transgender and non-binary individuals find a voice that matches their identity. It is provided by speech-language pathologists with specialized training. GAVC helps you align your voice with your goals, so you can express yourself with confidence. 

Swallowing Therapy  

Swallowing therapy, also called dysphagia therapy, strengthens swallowing muscles and function. It is led by speech-language pathologists with expertise in swallowing disorders. This therapy helps you eat and drink more safely, lowering risks like aspiration and making mealtimes more manageable. 

Surgery 

Surgery may be needed for certain voice, airway, or swallowing problems. It is performed by laryngologists who specialize in minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques. These procedures help you restore function, protect healthy tissue, and recover with fewer side effects. 

Common surgeries include: 

• Microdirect laryngoscopy 
• Microflap surgery 
• Laryngoplasty 
• Laser surgery 
• Zenker’s diverticulectomy  
• Cricopharyngeal myotomy  
• Endoscopic treatment of airway stenosis 
• Tracheal resection