|
Laryngeal Video Endo-Stroboscopy (LVES)
equipment used for evaluation and therapy
when abnormal vocal fold function
is known or suspected
LVES is the only clinical tool which uses a voice-activated stroboscopic light to give a magnified view of the pattern of vocal fold movement. A digital video recording (DVD) and still photos document the assessment and enable pre- and post- surgical consultation, educational counseling and biofeedback in therapy. A prescription from an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) is required
Laryngeal Function Study
Computer-assisted measurement of specific parameters of speech and voice production provides objective
assessment, pre- and post-treatment comparison, educational counseling and visual / auditory feedback in therapy.
Pitch, range, duration and quality are objectively displayed and measured.
Measures of pressures during speech / voice production are also obtained.
Nasometry
A few words or sentences are spoken into a microphone and computer analysis of resonance (percentage of nasalance)
is determined: Too much nasality (whiney sound) may indicate insufficient or inefficient soft palate. Not enough
nasality (congested sound) may indicate an upper airway obstruction.
Computer Games
Computer games are used to teach and/or reinforce specific skills:
Maintain / change pitch
Control loudness
Alternate nasal vs. de-nasal
See the difference when tongue or lip position is changed
Maintain attention
Discriminate sounds
Remember and focus on specific signals
Follow directions
Understand language concepts
Improve memory
Improve response time
Games are also used to provide maximum stimulation and enjoyment during practice. Directions may tell the player
to: make the sun come up, get the hummingbird to the blossom, fly the airplane safely on its path, match the pattern,
and others.
Observation Windows
Windows in each room allow unobtrusive viewing of children during evaluation and therapy. Room monitors provide sound enhancement. Parents and professionals learn from seeing and hearing the therapy process while they are relieved of any need to interact. The speech-language pathologist may observe parent-child interaction to provide guidelines for the home program.
Permission to observe is always obtained.
Office
Over 1000 square feet of space with a private entrance on the ground floor includes a listening lab, a carpeted play area for children's therapy, a separate room for LVES*, offices for adult treatment / consultation and a comfortable waiting area with a picture window to a landscaped courtyard.
|
