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Voice and Swallowing Center

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(415) 885-7700

The UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center provides state-of-the-art care for disorders of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that affect speech, breathing and swallowing. Our team includes otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) as well as speech pathologists who focus on voice and swallowing disorders. We also work closely with colleagues in neurology, respiratory medicine and physical therapy to provide personalized, comprehensive care for every patient who comes to our center.

We have particular expertise in treating singers, teachers, actors and others whose voice is essential to performing a job or hobby. We also care for patients whose voice or swallowing problems resulted from other diseases, such as cancer or neurological conditions, or from treatments, such as radiation therapy.

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Who May Benefit

We address voice and swallowing concerns related to the following conditions:

Voice

  • Age-related voice changes
  • Daily voice demands
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Recurrent laryngitis
  • Scarred vocal folds
  • Vocal fold nodules or polyps
  • Vocal fold paresis or paralysis

Breathing

  • Tracheal narrowing

Neurological Disorders

Our Research

Many of our experts are involved in research to improve patient outcomes and care. If you are a patient, you may be asked to participate in a study by filling out a questionnaire, completing additional tests or having your existing test results entered into a research database.

Participation is entirely voluntary. If approached about participating in a research project, you'll be provided information about the study so you can make an informed decision. If you decline, your care will not be compromised in any way.

What sets us apart

Comprehensive voice and swallowing care

Our experts treat various disorders affecting "vocal athletes" using a cutting-edge model that only a handful of centers use.

Our locations

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    Patient stories

    Voice support helps opera singer keep performing

    A specialized team approach to care helped Kyle get on top of vocal fold inflammation stemming from illness, which can prevent him from working. "That resource is priceless."

    Decorative Caduceus

    Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Sensation: Cancer Survivor Cohort

    Elicitation of LAR is defined as a unilateral or bilateral laryngeal adduction immediately following laryngeal stimulus through frame-by-frame analysis of video recordings (visualized on laryngoscopy). An acceptable tactile stimul...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Autologous Muscle Derived Cells for Treatment of Tongue Dysphagia

    Safety will be determined by the frequency and severity of adverse events related to study procedures and study product.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    DaxibotulinumtoxinA Injection for Treatment of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia

    This will be determined using a paired t-test with subjects pre-treatment VHI-10 scores as a control.

    Recruiting

    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • n7-2x

      One of the nation's best for ear, nose & throat care

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

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    Patient Relations

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    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • New packet forms
    • A letter outlining your medical history and reason for the referral
    • Previous medical records, especially those for your current diagnosis and condition
    • Previous radiological reports and films from previous studies, pathology, laboratory, operative reports, photographs or video of previous laryngeal or swallowing studies, and the most recent summary dictation from your referring doctor

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

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