Speech Therapy

At Scripps, our speech experts use a range of tools and technologies for testing and diagnosis, including:

• Comprehensive speech-language-cognitive evaluations
• Modified barium swallow studies, including digital video fluoroscopy
• Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
• Endoscopy of the larynx using videostroboscopy

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs and include a variety of techniques, such as:

• Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing or speaking
• External electrical stimulation
• Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) for patients with Parkinson’s disease 
• Recommendations or prescriptions for augmentative communication devices
• Patient and caregiver education, including home treatment plans
• Lee Silverman LOUD maintenance class for patients with Parkinson’s disease

The LSVT LOUD maintenance class is designed for those who have completed the LSVT LOUD protocol for the vocal effects of Parkinson’s disease. Led by a certified speech-language pathologist, this class will review, reinforce and encourage continued use of LSVT voice exercises and strategies.

Speech and language skills develop rapidly until roughly age five. That’s why pediatric speech-language therapy is an especially important tool for young children who exhibit communication problems that could affect their social or academic skills as they get older.

The pediatric speech-language pathologists at Scripps in San Diego care for kids from birth to adolescence, using a team approach that is kid-friendly and involves parents every step of the way. This coordination is particularly important for children who require a blend of services, including pediatric occupational therapy.

Pediatric speech conditions treated

Our pediatric speech therapists treat communication challenges resulting from a number of conditions, including:

• Hearing impairment
• Birth defects such as cleft palates 
• Developmental disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome 
• Language and auditory problems that affect reading
• Motor speech disorders such as apraxia 
• Delayed language development
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Voice disorders
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stuttering
• Lisp

Other services include speech screenings, hearing screenings and swallowing assessments, such as modified barium swallow studies and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

Because speech and voice disorders are common in people with Parkinson’s disease, speech-language pathologists at several Scripps locations specialize in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD — an evidence-based training technique that focuses on improving voice quality, articulation and vocal intensity.

LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box (larynx) and speech mechanism through a series of exercises. The goal of treatment is to bring the voice to an improved, healthy loudness level with no strain, so the patient can participate in conversations and have greater confidence in social settings. LSVT is offered as an outpatient course through the Parkinson’s disease physical rehabilitation program.

A referral from a primary care physician or specialist is required.

Scripps offers specialized care to children and adults with voice problems, including professional singers and voice talent, at Scripps Center for Voice and Swallowing and for adults at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas.

Knowing loss of voice can be a highly debilitating condition that may jeopardize professional stability, our specially trained speech-language pathologists work closely with physicians, including ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, to help our patients achieve the highest level of functional improvement.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to provide videostroboscopic evaluations, which allow our team to visualize vocal cord movement and develop a highly individualized treatment plan. Additionally, singing voice therapy is administered by clinicians who have cross-training in classical voice.

Chronic cough is defined as a non-productive dry cough that lasts more than one month. This type of cough can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life, as it can disrupt sleep as well as social and professional interactions.

Speech-language pathologists at Scripps Center for Voice and Swallowing and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas offer chronic cough treatment in collaboration with physicians, including allergists, gastroenterologists and ENT specialists.

Our team provides comprehensive testing designed to identify both the key factors that may be contributing to the cough, and techniques that will help eliminate it.

In order to receive chronic cough treatment from Scripps Center for Voice and Swallowing, you will need a referral from your physician.

The goal of therapy is to help people with dysphagia learn to swallow safely and effectively, so the simple act of eating or drinking doesn’t lead to discomfort or illness. To develop the most effective treatment plan, a comprehensive clinical evaluation is required.

Speech-language pathologists at Scripps work closely with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians to assess the structures and functions involved in swallowing to determine the cause of your swallowing problem. 

Diagnostic tools include:

• Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
• Modified barium swallow study using digital video fluoroscopy

Following your diagnosis and recommended course of therapy, you will work with certified speech pathologists to help strengthen and improve the coordination of the lips, tongue and special muscles used in swallowing. 

Scripps Home Health and several care locations offer external electrical stimulation. This treatment uses small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing.