Voice and Swallow Programs

Boston University is pleased to offer comprehensive Voice and Swallowing programs. Our services include evaluation of laryngeal (voice box) function including acoustic and aerodynamic testing. Clients will receive a detailed evaluation report and treatment recommendations. Voice therapy will focus on comprehensive treatment of a wide range of voice and upper airway disorders/conditions tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Currently, both in-person and telehealth appointments are offered.

Our program also offers specialized screenings of speech, voice, cognition and swallowing for people with Parkinson’s Disease. These assessments are done in person and include acoustic voice measurements. Intensive treatment programs targeting speech and voice (in-person or via telehealth) may be offered after evaluation.

If you or a loved one have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), connecting with others in the community can be beneficial. Join our group, moderated by a board-certified swallowing specialist, for helpful strategies and compassionate support. If interested, please complete our Intake Form or download our flyer below. Our teleheatlh group meets via Zoom.

Download our Swallowing Support Group Flyer

Qualifying for Services

Generally, clients will first see an outside laryngologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat [ENT] physician) for their specific voice or upper airway difficulties. This generally involves using a laryngoscope to visualize the client’s voice and throat function. The physician may then provide a referral to see a speech-language pathologist for therapy. Clients may need a formal diagnosis consisting of one of the following to qualify for our services:

  • Voice evaluations and therapy for individuals with voice and upper airway disorders
  • Speech and swallow evaluation, referral, and individual/group therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease
  • Gender affirming voice care for gender diverse individuals

Therapy Programs

Our graduate students conduct the majority of evaluation and therapy services, and they are mentored and closely supervised by a faculty member speech-language pathologist who will help to design an individualized therapy program for the client. Some therapy programs offered in our clinic include, but are not limited to:

  • Swallowing therapy
  • Resonant voice therapy
  • Flow phonation
  • SPEAK OUT!® and LOUD Crowd®
  • Manual circumlaryngeal massage/therapy
  • Vocal function exercises
  • Phonation resistance training exercises (PhoRTE)
  • Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVT)
  • Conversation training therapy (CTT)
  • Voice masculinization/feminization

For more information about the Voice Center or to schedule an appointment, contact us 617-353-3188 or slhs@bu.edu.