Swallowing & Speech Conditions

Speech Disorders

Speech disorders or speech impediments are a type of communication disorder where 'normal' speech is disrupted. Many disorders can affect our ability to speak and communicate. They range from saying sounds incorrectly to being completely unable to speak or understand speech. Valley ENT's physicians are committed to determining the causes of our patients' speech disorders, which may include hearing disorders and deafness; voice problems, such as dysphonia or those caused by cleft lip or palate; speech problems like stuttering; developmental disabilities; learning disorders; autism; brain injury; and stroke.

Our team at Valley ENT can diagnose a variety of voice disorders and medical conditions that affect the production of speech. Vocal cords, located in the larynx (voice box), produce the sound of your voice by vibration as air passes through the cords from the lungs. The sound the vocal cords produce is then sent through the throat, nose, and mouth, giving the sound "resonance." The sound of each individual voice is determined by the size and shape of the vocal cords and the size and shape of the throat, nose, and mouth (the resonating cavities).

Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)

Valley ENT is your destination for the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia can also be a condition in its own right. People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Eating then becomes a challenge. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body.

Examples of Conditions Treated

Ear, Nose and Throat conditions range from common to complex. Valley ENT has the experienced providers and leading specialists that can help.