A speech pathologist, also known as a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals of all ages to address issues such as speech, language, voice, fluency, and cognitive-communication. Speech pathologists develop personalized treatment plans to help patients improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.

FEES is appropriate for most patients who need an in-depth assessment of their swallowing difficulties. Candidates include those who have had a stroke or brain injury, have a progressive disease such as dementia, ALS, or Parkinson's Disease, have head and neck cancer, and those who are NPO and wish to return to eating by mouth. FEES can be particularly useful for those who are bed-bound, are on isolation, or have dementia as it does not require leaving their regular living environment.

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure used to assess swallowing function. It involves passing a thin, flexible endoscope through the nose to view the throat while swallowing. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and does not usually cause pain, though some individuals may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure. Any discomfort typically subsides quickly after the procedure is completed.

Signs of a swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia, can include coughing or choking during or after eating and drinking, a sensation of food being stuck in the throat, pain while swallowing, frequent throat clearing, recurrent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, and changes in voice or speech after meals. Other symptoms may include drooling, difficulty chewing, and taking longer than usual to finish meals. If you experience any of these signs, it is important to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional.