People who have problems with speaking or swallowing may need the specialized treatment provided by a speech-language pathologist.
The Valley Center for Speech-Language Pathology offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Speech and swallowing tests and therapies are available for adults who have problems with speech, language disorders, cognitive disorders, voice disorders or swallowing. (Speech-language pathology services for children are available through the Kireker Center for Child Development.)
Our speech-language pathologists hold master’s degrees and New Jersey Licenses and Certificates of Clinical Competence from The American Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Conditions Treated
- Swallowing/dysphagia impairment
- Aphasia/language disorders
- Voice disorders
- Stroke
- Head and neck cancers
- Dysarthria/slurred speech
- Stuttering
- Cognitive-linguistic impairments
- Memory impairments
- Executive functioning impairments
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bell’s palsy/electrical stimulation
- Tongue thrust
- Communication after tracheostomy
- Communication after laryngectomy
- Neuromotor speech disorder
Tests & Treatments
Treatment for communication and swallowing disorders depends on the problem and its severity. Speech-language pathologists at Valley use computer technology, voice or language exercises and other training to help people develop effective communication skills.
These are a small sample of tests and treatments performed at Valley:
Modified Barium Swallow Study (Cookie Swallow Test)
A modified barium swallow study (MBSS) records swallowing on X-ray film. During the test, the patient swallows substances of various consistencies and textures, ranging from thin liquid barium to barium-coated cookies. This helps to evaluate the ability to swallow safely and effectively. This test is used to rule out aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs) or threats to the patient’s airway.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment LOUD (LSVT-LOUD)
LSVT LOUD® is a treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions that can affect how loud the voice is. LSVT LOUD helps to make speech louder by improving breathing and strengthening the vocal cords and speaking abilities. This is done through a series of daily exercises that follow a specific order. The overall goal of LSVT LOUD is to enhance vocal loudness. Treatment consists of four sessions per week, for a total of 16 sessions. Each individual session is 60 minutes in length.
VisiPitch
This system offers objective biofeedback for the evaluation, analysis, and treatment of a variety of voice disorders. Clinicians and patients are able to use objective data to easily map progress from one session to the next. An assortment of games/tasks provides patients with auditory and visual biofeedback that allows for an interactive therapy process and assists with achieving set goals.
VitalStim
VitalStim® Therapy is based on principles that have been successfully used in physical therapy for years. It uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation in conjunction with traditional swallowing therapy to stimulate inactive swallowing musculature to improve an individual’s swallowing abilities.
