Many adults and children experience speech, language, or swallowing diseases and disorders that range from problems producing speech sounds and expressing ideas to feeding and swallowing difficulties.

Speech-language pathologists are specially trained to help people of all ages improve their speech and swallowing skills. They perform careful evaluations so they can deliver personalized care to each patient. Using exercises, modifications to how you eat, and other techniques, they help you improve your ability to speak or eat.

At University of Miami Health System, we use a team approach to these issues. Our speech language pathologists work collaboratively with experts to diagnose, evaluate, and treat speech, language and swallowing disorders through clinical and therapy treatments.

Who is a Candidate?

Any patient with a speech or swallowing disorder may benefit from speech-language pathology services. These includes patients who have problems caused by:

• Breathing disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Deafness or hearing loss
• Developmental delay
• Head and neck cancer treatment
• Stroke

Other conditions may also cause speech or swallowing problems.

What to Expect

In your first appointment with a speech language pathologist, you will undergo an evaluation and assessment. Your speech pathologist will go over your medical history with you. They may also ask you to perform certain tasks, like speaking certain words or phrases or swallowing. For swallowing disorders, you may need additional imaging tests to identify problems.

After your evaluation is complete, your speech language pathologist will develop a personalized therapy plan to help you. Your plan may include:

• Augmentative communication tools
• Different positions to use while swallowing
• Regular speech therapy appointments
• Speaking exercises to do at home
• Strategies for eating or drinking

Your therapist will teach you how to use these tools and therapies to improve your abilities. Throughout your care, they will re-assess your skills so you care plan can change to fit your needs.

Why Choose UHealth?

Ranked in the nation’s top tier by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking reflects the team’s dedication to excellence in research patient care and outcomes. Surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists collaborate with many research programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.

World-class care in an academic health system. We are recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in treating conditions and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide you with superior, personalized care and the best outcomes.

World-renowned for our expertise in treating voice conditions. We serve the local community of South Florida, as well as referrals from around the country and Latin America. We promote vocal health education, research, and comprehensive transitional rehabilitation programs through our Vocal Health Collaborative and partnership with the University of Miami Frost School of Music and the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts.