When the upper airway is damaged or doesn’t allow enough air to pass through to the lungs, some individuals are provided with tracheostomy tubes via a surgical procedure. We are able to assist patients with reducing speech and swallowing issues related to the presence of the tracheostomy tube. Assistance may include fitting of a speaking

Valve or techniques to improve swallowing.

Please refer to the following websites for more information:

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/tracheostomies.htm

http://www.bianh.org/Speech_Pathologists_Role_Tracheostomy_Mgmt.pdf

http://www.ohioslha.org/pdf/Convention/2008%20Handouts/SC29-Dysphagia-Allan-VanMaele.pdf

http://www.passy-muir.com/speech_therapy