Voice and Swallowing Center
The UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center provides state-of-the-art care for disorders of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that affect speech, breathing and swallowing. Our team includes otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) as well as speech pathologists who focus on voice and swallowing disorders. We also work closely with colleagues in neurology, respiratory medicine and physical therapy to provide personalized, comprehensive care for every patient who comes to our center.
We have particular expertise in treating singers, teachers, actors and others whose voice is essential to performing a job or hobby. We also care for patients whose voice or swallowing problems resulted from other diseases, such as cancer or neurological conditions, or from treatments, such as radiation therapy.
Who May Benefit
We address voice and swallowing concerns related to the following conditions:
Voice
- Age-related voice changes
- Daily voice demands
- Laryngeal cancer
- Recurrent laryngitis
- Scarred vocal folds
- Vocal fold nodules or polyps
- Vocal fold paresis or paralysis
Breathing
- Tracheal narrowing
Neurological Disorders
- ALS/PLS/progressive bulbar palsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Pseudobulbar palsies
- Spasmodic dysphonia
- Tics
- Tremors
Our Research
Many of our experts are involved in research to improve patient outcomes and care. If you are a patient, you may be asked to participate in a study by filling out a questionnaire, completing additional tests or having your existing test results entered into a research database.
Participation is entirely voluntary. If approached about participating in a research project, you'll be provided information about the study so you can make an informed decision. If you decline, your care will not be compromised in any way.
What sets us apart
Comprehensive voice and swallowing care
Our experts treat various disorders affecting "vocal athletes" using a cutting-edge model that only a handful of centers use.
Our locations
Patient stories
Voice support helps opera singer keep performing
A specialized team approach to care helped Kyle get on top of vocal fold inflammation stemming from illness, which can prevent him from working. "That resource is priceless."
Our team
-
Tyler Crosby
MD
Otolaryngologist -
Yue Ma
MD
Otolaryngologist -
Andrew H. Murr
MD
Otolaryngologist -
Clark A. Rosen
MD
Otolaryngologist -
Vyvy N. Young
MD, FACS
Otolaryngologist -
Rachel Agron
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Lois Chen
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Desi Gutierrez
CCC-SLP, MA
Speech-language pathologist -
Brittany Mitchell
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Alyson Pappas
CCC-SLP, MA
Speech-language pathologist -
Nicole Rinne
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Sarah L. Schneider
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Erik Steele
CCC-SLP, MA
Speech-language pathologist -
Matt Stephen
PA, MMS
Physician assistant -
Zoe Weston
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Sky T. Yang
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Changchang Yao
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist
Clinical trials
Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Sensation: Cancer Survivor Cohort
Elicitation of LAR is defined as a unilateral or bilateral laryngeal adduction immediately following laryngeal stimulus through frame-by-frame analysis of video recordings (visualized on laryngoscopy). An acceptable tactile stimul...
Recruiting
Awards & recognition
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
-
One of the nation's best for ear, nose & throat care
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- New packet forms
- A letter outlining your medical history and reason for the referral
- Previous medical records, especially those for your current diagnosis and condition
- Previous radiological reports and films from previous studies, pathology, laboratory, operative reports, photographs or video of previous laryngeal or swallowing studies, and the most recent summary dictation from your referring doctor
