Voice & Swallowing
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Why choose UCSF Health for voice and swallowing care?
UCSF Health offers specialized care for disorders of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that affect breathing, speech and swallowing. Our unique expertise is world-renowned, and we have one of the largest groups of fellowship-trained specialists in the world. We've pioneered new procedures and therapies, and our active research program is investigating the next generation of treatments.
Singers, teachers, actors and others who rely on their voices receive tailored care to protect and restore vocal strength. We have a long-standing relationship with the San Francisco Opera, caring for their vocalists. We also treat voice or swallowing problems caused by cancer, neurological conditions, radiation therapy or other medical treatments.
Why choose UCSF Health for voice and swallowing care?
UCSF Health offers specialized care for disorders of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that affect breathing, speech and swallowing. Our unique expertise is world-renowned, and we have one of the largest groups of fellowship-trained specialists in the world. We've pioneered new procedures and therapies, and our active research program is investigating the next generation of treatments.
Singers, teachers, actors and others who rely on their voices receive tailored care to protect and restore vocal strength. We have a long-standing relationship with the San Francisco Opera, caring for their vocalists. We also treat voice or swallowing problems caused by cancer, neurological conditions, radiation therapy or other medical treatments.
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Deep expertise
We're one of the largest airway, voice and swallowing programs in the world. You receive care from some of the most experienced specialists.Advanced treatments
We're the only U.S. program offering awake laryngeal surgery, a novel laser treatment for laryngeal stenosis (narrowing of the airway).Team approach
You receive collaborative care from multiple specialists, ensuring that you benefit from our full range of expertise.World-class research
We're actively researching voice, airway and swallowing disorders, giving you access to novel therapies through clinical trials.
Comprehensive airway, voice and swallowing care at UCSF Health
You receive coordinated care from a highly collaborative team of specialists. We treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Age-related voice changes
Problems related to daily voice demands
Recurrent laryngitis
Vocal fold nodules, polyps, paralysis, paresis and scars
Tracheal narrowing
Laryngeal cancer
Our experts also treat voice and swallowing conditions related to:
ALS, PLS and progressive bulbar palsy
Parkinson's disease
Pseudobulbar palsies
Spasmodic dysphonia
Tics
Tremors
Your voice and swallowing disorders care team
A laryngologist leads your care team. Our laryngologists are ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons with advanced training in disorders of the larynx (voice box), esophagus and trachea (windpipe).
Other specialists on your team may include:
Gastroenterologists care for swallowing issues related to the digestive tract.
Neurologists treat neurological conditions affecting voice and swallowing.
Otolaryngologists provide ENT care.
Physical therapists offer rehabilitation and support.
Respiratory medicine specialists care for airway and breathing-related issues.
Speech pathologists focus on voice and swallowing disorders.
Chronic cough experts diagnose and manage chronic cough.
Advanced treatment options
We start with nonsurgical therapies and rehabilitation support to improve voice and swallowing function.
For more complex conditions, we offer advanced treatment options, including:
Neurotoxin injections. Botox can help with voice disorders, such as laryngeal dystonia. We pioneered the use of DAXXIFY, a Botox alternative.
Awake laser procedure. We pioneered awake laryngeal stenosis surgery, which allows you to avoid general anesthesia and recover faster.
Endoscopic surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgeries performed through the mouth or throat typically lead to a shorter, more comfortable recovery.
Open surgical procedures. Sometimes, open surgery offers the best outcome. We perform traditional surgeries for reconstruction, cancer and other complex conditions.
Surgical reconstruction. We collaborate with reconstructive surgeons to address breathing, voice and swallowing issues following cancer or injury.
Locations
Providers
Award-winning care
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Clinical trials
Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Sensation: Cancer Survivor CohortOpens in a new window
Elicitation of LAR is defined as a unilateral or bilateral laryngeal adduction immediately following laryngeal stimulus through frame-by-frame analysis of video recordings (visualized on laryngoscopy). An acceptable tactile stimul...
Comprehensive voice and swallowing care
Our experts treat various disorders affecting "vocal athletes" using a leading-edge approach found at only a handful of programs.
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Support services
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.