Speech Pathology

Speech therapy at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick

At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), our Speech Pathology staff is trained and licensed to treat patients with a broad range of communication, voice, speech and language disorders as well as feeding and swallowing impairments. We provide in-person therapy as well as therapy services via telemedicine.

Five to ten percent of Americans may have communication disorders. Speech and language disorders affect one's ability to talk, understand, read and write. Such disorders have different causes and may range from a few speech sound errors, repetitions of sounds or words, to a total loss of the ability to use speech to communicate effectively.

Swallowing disorders cause problems with the mouth, throat or esophagus that result in difficulty, discomfort, or pain with eating certain foods or drinking certain liquids. Swallowing disorders can result in coughing or choking with eating and drinking (when food or liquids go down the wrong pipe), the sensation of food feeling stuck in the throat or chest and bringing food back up. It can cause weight loss, pneumonia and lead to other severe health problems.

Speech and swallowing disorders may be congenital or acquired. They may result from any of the following diagnoses including:

Conditions We Treat

Experienced speech-language pathologists provide diagnostic evaluations for all ages (infants through geriatrics) with regard to difficulties with:

  • Adult apraxia
  • Aphasia
  • Cognitive communication
  • Dysarthria
  • Expressive and receptive language
  • Fluency
  • Pediatric feeding
  • Speech/articulation
  • Swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Voice including:
    • Accent modification
    • Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction, chronic cough, vocal cord dysfunction
    • Gender diverse voice

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) procedure uses an endoscope, passed through the nose by the speech pathologist, to assess the pharyngeal phase of the swallow. The test is completed with both food and liquids to determine the degree of swallowing difficulties a person has, and allows the speech pathologist to recommend an appropriate and safe diet, assess for compensatory or therapeutic strategies, and develop a potential exercise program. Therapeutic intervention is then implemented at our outpatient facility based on the evaluation results.

Modified Barium Swallow Study with Video Fluoroscopy

A modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a diagnostic test for patients with swallowing disorders. It uses barium contrast of different consistencies to provide a direct, dynamic view of oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal function. It is performed by a speech pathologist and radiologist.

This test is used to determine the degree of swallowing difficulties a person has, and allows the speech pathologist to recommend an appropriate and safe diet, and compensatory or therapeutic strategies, and develop a potential exercise program. Therapeutic intervention is then implemented at our outpatient facility based on the evaluation results.

Speech Pathology Programs with Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Our speech-language pathology staff is continuously developing and expanding programs that enable collaboration with multidisciplinary providers to provide you with the most comprehensive care.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic

Patients with ALS can see a dedicated speech pathologist when visiting the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Neuromuscular and ALS Center clinic, in addition to visiting with physicians, nurses, and other providers from a variety of specialties including occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition and social work. The speech pathologist is available to provide feeding/swallowing and communication assessments, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluations.

Aerodigestive Disorders

Following discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the pediatric feeding therapists continue to collaborate with specialists from gastroenterology, pulmonology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and nutrition to provide comprehensive feeding therapy.

Gender Diverse Voice

The speech-language pathologist works with an interdisciplinary team from specialties including plastic and reconstructive surgery, primary care, endocrinology and otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat care) to provide gender-affirming treatment and collaborates with the client to establish their individual voice goals.

Voice therapy focuses on developing confident and safe vocal technique for gender-congruent communication in all environments and for non-verbal voice behaviors (such as coughing, sneezing, yawning and laughing).

We also work in tandem with the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey to support the needs of the transgender community.

Head and Neck Cancer

For patients with head and neck cancer, our speech pathologists works closely with a team of providers from specialties including oncology, radiation oncology and surgery to provide communication assessments, including pre-laryngectomy counseling and electrolarynx training.

Swallowing evaluation and treatment is available before, during and after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

In partnership with Rutgers Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Rutgers Cancer Institute, RWJUH offers a wealth of multidisciplinary expertise to ensure that you receive state-of-the-art, comprehensive care.

Consultations and appointments with speech language pathologists are conducted at our outpatient clinic. Visit RWJ Speech and Audiology at New Brunswick for hours and directions.