Diagnostic Services
Experience the convenient, cutting edge technology that helps to accurately diagnose voice and swallow conditions. The data collected tells us what is really going on beneath the surface and connects patients with an effective treatment plan.
Videostroboscopy/Voice Tx
What is it?
- Videostroboscopy is used to evaluate the vocal folds and assess for abnormalities
- It has the ability to take still shots at different points of the vocal fold vibratory cycles to stimulate slow-motion during sound production
- It is a recorded video that allows for playback.
Benefits:
- It is an outpatient procedure
- Results allow the speech therapist to know which therapeutic techniques would be appropriate for improvement and it allows for ENTs to accurately provide a diagnosis It is safe
- There is no pre-procedure preparation
- There is no discomfort following the procedure
- No companion is needed
- Immediate results discussed with the patient
- The ability for people to see their vocal cords can help them better understand how voice is made, making treatment like voice therapy more successful with making goals and progress towards them.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow
When it comes to diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders, there's a revolutionary tool that's changing the game – flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES).
What is it?
- FEES involves passing a flexible endoscope into the pharynx, allowing for real-time visualization of the swallowing process.
Benefits:
- It provides a dynamic assessment of swallowing function, allowing for the identification of specific abnormalities or impairments that may contribute to swallowing issues. By visualizing the swallowing process from a close-up perspective, we can make accurate diagnoses and develop targeted treatment plans.
- One of the key advantages of FEES over other swallowing assessments is its ability to be performed at the bedside. Unlike other tests, which require patients to be transported to a radiology department and exposed to radiation, FEES can be conducted in our clinic.
Acoustic/Aerodynamic Voice Evaluations
What is it?
- With acoustic evaluations, advanced technology analyzes the sound waves produced by your voice to assess your vocal quality, pitch accuracy, and resonance. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic evaluations measure the airflow and pressure during phonation, shedding light on vital aspects such as vocal efficiency, breath control, and vocal stamina.
Benefits:
- This feedback is invaluable for identifying our strengths and weaknesses and guiding our vocal development. With a comprehensive understanding of our voice, we can target specific areas for improvement and track our progress over time, potentially preventing vocal strain or injury.
- One of the key advantages of FEES over other swallowing assessments is its ability to be performed at the bedside. Unlike other tests, which require patients to be transported to a radiology department and exposed to radiation, FEES can be conducted in our clinic.
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Meet your care provider
With a unique blend of expertise in voice and swallow disorders, our center brings together advanced training, compassionate care, and a commitment to excellence.
Blake Edes
MEd, Voice and Swallowing Specialist
Blake received her Master’s degree from the University of Virginia in December of 2018. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and a State of Idaho License for Speech-Language Pathology. Blake has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders from a variety of clinical settings. She has the most passion for the areas of fluency, voice, and swallowing, which has ultimately led her to open this specialized clinic. She is qualified in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Videostroboscopy for voice. Blake absolutely loves the field of work that she is in and couldn’t imagine her life without being able to work with and help people of all ages every day. Blake has a stutter and is thankful for the ability to connect with patients.
Prior to graduate school, she went to Boise State University where she graduated with a Health Science degree and American Sign Language minor. She was also a swimmer and team captain for the BSU swim team. Blake grew up in Michigan and Nebraska, but quickly fell in love with the state of Idaho and all that it has to offer.
She got married in September 2019 and absolutely loves life with her husband Dillon, and new addition to the family, their 9 month old son, Riggs. They love to do all things together like rock climbing, playing with their cats, and board games. Blake is a happy person who loves to bring joy and positivity everywhere she goes!