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Laryngeal Video Endo-Stroboscopy (LVES)
state of the art equipment
used for evaluation and therapy
when abnormal vocal fold vibration
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. Video tapes and still photos document the assessment and enable
pre- and post- surgical consultation, educational counseling and biofeedback in therapy.
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 and flows 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
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 Window
A 3' x 5' one-way window allows 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 interactions in
order to provide guidelines for the home program. A pamphlet with guidelines for observing is available (A Window
of Opportunity). Permission to observe is required.
Office
Over 800 square feet of space including a carpeted play area for children's therapy, a separate exam room for
LVS, an office for adult treatment / consultation and a comfortable waiting area.
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