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• Laryngology and The Voice Center
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Laryngology Division

Laryngology is a developing sub-specialty within Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

The Voice Clinic

The Ohio State University Voice and Swallowing disorders Clinic has been in existence since 1993. The center was one of the first of its kind for the treatment of patients with voice disorders. It continues to be one of the few centers of excellence in the country for voice and swallowing disorders.  The clinic was founded by Dr. L. Arick Forrest, M.D. and Dr. Michael Trudeau, PhD. Combined they have over 40 years experience in treating patients with laryngeal disorders. Dr. Forrest completed his fellowship in Laryngology with Dr. Robert H. Ossoff, DMD, MD at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Forrest was one of the first Otolaryngologists in the country to complete fellowship training in Laryngology. Both Dr. Forrest and Dr. Trudeau are nationally recognized experts in the treatment of voice disorders.

The Clinic specializes in the care and treatment of professional voice users and has a vast experience in the treatment of singers. The clinic is benefited by the experience of Kerrie Obert, CCC-SLP and her expertise with working with singers. Ms. Obert has a degree in music in addition to her Speech Language Pathology degree. She is recognized internationally for her treatment and training of singers and as a founder for innovated therapy techniques such as the Estill method. The Voice Clinic is currently involved in a one of a kind collaborative Doctorate level program at The Ohio State University with the Departments of Music and Speech Language Pathology for the training of music educators. This is the only program of its kind and will begin this January with international applicants.

The OSU Voice and Swallowing Disorders Clinic has been recognized as a center of excellence in its treatment of laryngeal cancer and vocal cord dysfunction. They have a focus on quality of life improvements after cancer therapy. The clinic has state-of-the-art technology in the diagnosis of voice and swallowing disorders.  In addition to the previously mentioned clinicians, the clinic is benefited by the experience of Jennifer Thompson, CCC-SLP and her interest in vocal cord dysfunction and swallowing disorders. The OSU Voice and Swallowing Clinic provides comprehensive care for all laryngeal disorders including spasmodic dysphonia with Botox therapy, laryngeal EMG, laryngeal reconstruction, voice and singing therapy, and the comprehensive performance package for professional singers. For any additional information concerning the clinic please contact the Department of Otolaryngology at (614) 293-8150.

The Ohio State University Voice & Swallowing Disorders Clinic offers a collection of diagnostic and therapeutic services to individuals with voice and swallowing complications using state-of-the-art diagnostic devices.  Specializing in the care of Professional Voice Users, the Head and Neck Cancer population and individuals with Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction, our diagnostic services include: 

• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES): completed to assess the pharyngeal/laryngeal phase of swallowing. Each patient is observed consuming foods and liquids for evaluation of aspiration, penetration, and pharyngeal and laryngeal phase dysfunction.  This exam is superior to the MBS for determining trace aspiration without exposing the Patient to radiation.
• VLS (Videolaryngostroboscopy): Used to assess the function and structure of the laryngeal and pharyngeal musculature. Indications for this test include hoarseness, vocal fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, singing difficulties, odynophonia, velopharyngeal insufficiency (nasality), and symptoms suggesting laryngopharyngeal reflux (cough, globus sensation, throat clearing, morning hoarseness).  The OSU Voice & Swallowing Disorders Clinic is specially trained to evaluate and treat Patients with Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction (a disorder that mimics asthma).
• Head and Neck Cancer Patients face many challenges including possible speech, swallowing and resonance disorders. We offer therapeutic services for these complications as well as pre- and post-surgical counseling.
• Professional Voice Users (singers, actors, ministers, etc) visit our Clinic with various voice complaints. We offer diagnostic and rehabilitative services to these individuals.  An evaluation is highly encouraged Professional Voice Users during an asymptomatic period in order to document his/her baseline laryngeal status.

Division Contacts:

Director: L. Arick Forrest, MD
Phone: (614) 293-0365
Fax: (614) 366-5808
email 

View Dr. Forrest's Patient Care Forms.


Michael D. Trudeau, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
Associate Professor
Phone: (614) 293-0363
Fax: (614) 293-9698

Brad W. deSilva, MD
Phone: (614) 366-9336

Dept. of Speech and Hearing Science
110 Pressey Hall
1070 Carmack Rd.
The Ohio State University
614 292 1743
Fax:  614 292 7504

Kerrie Beechler Obert, MA., CCC/SLP
Director of Medical Arts
Clinical Voice Pathologist
The Ohio State University
Voice & Swallowing Disorders Clinic
614.293.0363
 

Jennifer Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP
Clinical Voice Pathologist
Voice & Swallowing Disorders Clinic
The Ohio State University
Phone: (614) 293-0363