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.

Get started today

Ready to take the first step towards improved vocal and swallowing health?

Schedule an appointment

Testimonials

What our patients have to say about our services.

- 15 and 7 and 1 15 years of seasonal chronic coughing that caused me to lose my voice for months on end and eventually leave my career. 7 is the number of doctors of various Disciplines that tried to help me to no avail . 1 SLP with a passion for dealing with issues like mine. I felt hopeless when I went to see Blake. Our first meeting, I told her that I did not believe she could help me and I was there to “check the latest block in things to try “. She simply smiled and asked me to give it a try. A mere 3 months later and my cough was gone. Blake taught me techniques, helped me find the correct tools to use at home and reminded me that she was with me every step of the way. I cannot be more grateful. Blake is my miracle worker.
  Mary Frances
  Satisfied patient
  MF
- Blake was terrific! Her therapy helped me out so much and I'm eternally thankful for her services. I had no idea how intricate the vocal chords were and how common issues can not only be helped but healed with therapy.
  Satisfied patient
  JS
- Working with Blake has been amazing! I was a bit skeptical, at first, as to whether or not therapy would work for me as an adult. However, she taught me many techniques that I can continue to use even though my therapy has concluded. I would highly recommend Blake and her team.
  Satisfied patient
  SM
- Blake is absolutely amazing! I was having issues with my voice due to some trauma and surgeries I had experienced earlier in the year. My voice is incredibly important to me and to who I am as a person. The issues I was having affected both my personal and professional life. I am so grateful for the resources, knowledge and support Blake provided me. It has allowed me to regain my voice and continue to speak loud and proud for the things that matter to me in life. Also, I am so grateful to be able to again have the simple pleasure of singing along to the radio and having conversations with those I love without the interruptions of coughing, or losing my voice entirely. Working with Blake has impacted my life in such a positive way. I am truly thankful! I recommend her to anyone experiencing chronic coughing, throat clearing or loss of voice. Her knowledge, and sincere concern for supporting others in improving or regaining their quality of life is top of the line. I was blessed to be referred to and work with her!
  Satisfied patient
  LT
- During the past forty years, with over 100 throat clearings per day, myriad doctors told me there was nothing in my throat, it was a habit, so just stop doing it. Thankfully, at 67 years old, I was referred to Blake’s speech therapy clinic. My life changed at that moment. Blake taught me about throat anatomy, exercises to strengthen my neck, self-awareness, diet considerations and many techniques to stop clearing my throat. She literally changed my life and my throat clearing is now under control. Thank you, Blake, for doing what no one else could!
  Sharon Brown
  Satisfied patient
  SB
- My voice issues affected me much more than realized. I was self-conscious and not speaking as much. It was easier not to talk then to have family and coworkers say huh and what all the time. When I did talk at work, my voice made me seem unsure of myself. I could speak but had lost MY voice. Blake helped me find it again. She found ways to get me to "feel" my voice and remember how to use it. The complexity of speaking amazes me, as does Blake's expertise in her field. I wish I would have known about voice therapy before I had surgical interventions. I will always be grateful for having her as my vocal coach!
  Satisfied patient
  KD

Meet your care providers

With a unique blend of expertise in voice and swallow disorders, our center brings together advanced training, compassionate care, and a commitment to excellence. From FEES and videostroboscopy to specialized voice therapy and swallowing rehabilitation, our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient's needs.

Blake Edes

MEd, CCC-SLP, Voice and Swallowing Specialist, Owner

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 voice, swallowing, and fluency, 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. She has received a variety of extra certifications, education, and qualifications in the area of voice and swallow and is passionate about mentoring her clinicians in the areas she loves so much.

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 absolutely loves life with her husband and two children. They love to do all things together like rock climbing, camping, going for walks, and swimming. Blake is a happy person who loves to bring joy and positivity everywhere she goes!

Brooke McBride

Speech Therapist

Brooke McBride is a born and raised Idahoan and has always been passionate about serving her community. At the young age of thirteen she was introduced to the field of Speech Language Pathology and volunteered at speech summer camps in her spare time as a teen. She went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an Emphasis in Speech Pathology at Idaho State University in 2015. While earning her undergraduate degree Brooke worked as a developmental therapist, working one on one with clients with disabilities. This experience only reinforced her passion for serving this community and led her to pursue her dream of earning a graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology. Brooke graduated with her masters in Speech Language Pathology from Idaho State University in 2017.

After working over two decades in pediatrics, Brooke found herself with several loved ones suffering from Parkinson's disease and decided to branch out to the adult population. Brooke has experience treating language deficits post stroke, AAC with adults, the Speak Out program for Parkinson's, PhoRTE voice therapy for the aging voice, treatment of muscle tension dysphonia, vocal cord dysfunction, breathing difficulties, and chronic cough and throat clearing. She has been mentored by Blake and is eager to continue serving and learning about voice therapy and beyond.

In her spare time, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and their two active boys; their family favorites include swimming, trampoline parks, reading together as a family, making homemade pizza, and going on bike rides. Brooke also loves to play recreational soccer and is always up for a girls night with friends!

Sara Meyer

Speech Therapist

Shelly Kroeger

Receptionist

With over 15 years of experience in administrative and front-desk roles, Shelly brings a strong background in customer service, organization, and communication as receptionist at our voice and swallow therapy practice. She takes pride in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every client who walks through our doors. Her goal as the first point of contact with clients is to ensure that clients questions are answered, and each client feels heard and cared for. While most of her office experience was working in elementary schools she is enjoying the challenges learning the workings of an office in the medical field.

Speech therapy holds a special place in her heart. Her son received speech therapy as a child and was able to master all of his speech sounds thanks to the care and dedication of his therapists. Now, her daughter is a speech therapist herself, and Shelly is incredibly proud to be part of a field that has made such a positive impact on her own family.

Outside of work, Shelly enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. You can often find her bike riding along the Boise Greenbelt, kickboxing, or weightlifting—all things that help her stay strong and energized to keep up with her kids and grandkids. During the colder months one of her favorite hobbies is crocheting. Shelly has been happily married for 34 years, and family is at the center of everything she does. Staying healthy and engaged is important to her, and she loves bringing that same positive energy into the office every day.