Our speech pathologists provide the highest quality of care to patients who have speech, swallowing and voice disorders, and to provide comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services using state-of-the-art equipment. Evaluation of voice issues include analyzing contributions to the problem, how the voice works, the effects of the environment on the voice, and the way the voice is used in a variety of contexts. Laryngeal pathology is assessed with a variety of tools including videostroboscopy, acoustical analysis, and EMG. For more information about the treatment of voice disorders, please visit the UAB Voice Center.

Our speech language pathologists are also key members of the multidisciplinary head and neck oncology program. This team has unique experience with head and neck cancer patients, and focuses care on swallowing ability in both the pre- and post-treatment settings. Our team is certified and extensively trained in laryngeal cancer rehabilitation, including re-establishing verbal communication and improving quality of life with alternative methods of communication, such as the servox and the tracheoesophageal puncture.

Prior to initiating a treatment plan, a full assessment of swallowing function is performed using an interdisplinary approach, with Radiology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Geriatrics and Nutrition consults. Assessment tools include a bedside evaluation, a modified barium swallow, and a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) procedure.