Are you having difficulty swallowing?
Do you feel like food or drinks are getting stuck? Looking for someone that understands your diagnosis and provides hope for improvement in your quality of life? Our specialized therapists understand neurologic disorders and complex health conditions.
We provide a full range of speech therapy services including swallowing assessments using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
What is FEES?
A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a procedure used to assess how well you swallow. It allows the clinician to examine the throat structures & voice box closely and make recommendations about the safest and most effective way to swallow
Why may I need this test?
A FEES is recommended when swallowing difficulties are suspected. If you have difficulty swallowing, you may be at risk for food and/or liquids entering your lungs. This may lead to an infection in your lungs known as aspiration pneumonia. You may also be at risk of not eating and drinking enough to maintain dietary requirements. This could lead to dehydration or malnutrition. The FEES is one of two tests that can be used to gather further information about how you swallow.
What to expect?
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You will be seated and will eat a variety of foods and liquids in order to fully evaluate the swallow.
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During the procedure, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) passes a thin, flexible scope through your nose. Then the SLP views parts of your throat as you swallow.
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You may feel brief pressure, but not pain when the scope is being passed through your nose.
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You may also be asked to say certain sounds and trial various strategies that may assist your swallowing.
How to prepare for the test?
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Notify the Speech Therapist of any food allergies you may have.
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Make sure to bring your dentures and anything that helps you see, hear, or communicate (e.g. eyeglasses, hearing aids etc.).
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You are welcome to bring specific foods or drinks that give you difficulty.
What happens after the test?
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You will be able to know the results following the test
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If your FEES test shows that you have problems swallowing, you will work with the SLP to develop a treatment plan.
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A full report will be sent to the doctor or therapist that referred you for the test.
