Hearing Institute
The hearing institute conducts hearing tests, fits hearing devices, hearing screening test for neonates, BERA tests, hearing practices after a cochlear implant and more.
To schedule an appointment for tests, please contact the
hearing institute secretary phone no. 08-9441318, fax: 08-9447108
Service for mouth and jaw surgeries and dental treatments
Service for Swallowing Disruptions
Service Supervisor: Dr. Yael Shapira Glitz
The service is given as a part of the unit for throat and vocal cords diseases.
The swallowing process is complex. For the swallowing to occur properly, there is a need of a proper structure of the larynx, a proper feeling in the mouth, the larynx and the throat and complete coordination between the swallowing muscles.
Why is it important to treat swallowing disruptions?
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) has substantial outcomes on the patients’ lives. A dysphagia not treated properly may induce malnutrition and dehydration and sometimes even life-threatening strangulation. Beyond the physical consequences, dysphagia has an emotional implication on the patient, who loses the “taste of life”, does not enjoy the meals and the social atmosphere that accompanies them, for instance, in family meals on Saturdays and holidays.
What is the swallowing disruptions service?
The service for swallowing disruptions acts within the ENT unit and the institute for hearing and speech. The clinic has a multidisciplinary team that includes a doctor and a speech therapist with training and experience in treating and rehabilitating patients suffering from swallowing disruptions.
How is the test performed?
Any evaluation begins with a specified interview, a physical exam and an endoscopic exam of the larynx and throat.
1. Endoscopic Swallowing Test – FEES
The test shoots the larynx swallowing process using a gentle endoscope inserted through the nostril under light local anesthesia. During the exam, we test the swallowing of a few textures of food and evaluate the efficiency and the safety of the larynx swallowing mechanism. If necessary, we can examine various methods to improve the swallowing during the text in order to assist in creating a treatment and rehabilitation plan with a speech therapist.
The food offered to the patients during the exam is kosher – milk. It is possible and even wanted to arrive with the food the patient is struggling to swallow from home, in order to test this food as well.
2. Reflecting the swallowing mechanism – videofluoroscopy
This test is conducted in the imaging institute and the subject is requested to swallow a contrast agent (Barium) in various textures. The test allows for an examination of the mouth cavity, the larynx and the esophagus function during the swallowing process, a diagnosis of inhaling contents in the airways (aspiration) and practicing various methods to improve the swallowing process.
The test is conducted by an ENT doctor and a radiologist
What does our service offer?
- Swallowing rehabilitation treatments with a speech therapist
- Surgeries to improve swallowing, such as medialization of a mute vocal cord, ZENKER procedure, expansion of the larynx etc.
Why is our service unique?
The tight cooperation between the ENT medicine and the speech therapists, while providing personal service, enables the exact diagnosis and the matching of the treatment and rehabilitation to fit each patient.
Who is the service designated for?
The service suits a wide variety of people with swallowing disruptions for many reasons:
- Strokes
- Nerve system diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis etc.
- Muscle diseases
- Old age and dementia
- Following prolonged admittance or intubation or tracheostomy
- Following surgeries or radiations to the head and neck.
What should you bring to your visit?
- A referral letter from your doctor / ENT doctor / speech therapist / other
- Updated list of medications
- Any medical exam conducted to clarify the swallowing disruptions (upper gastrointestinal series, gastroscopy, etc.)
- Blood works conducted in your HMO (up to 3 months) including lipid profile, thyroid functions and protein and albumin levels in blood.
- Obligation forms to the clinic (two 17 forms: one for ENT doctor examination, code 70022 for Clalit members or 99242 for other HMOs, and the other for a speech therapist, 64580 for Clalit members or 92526 for other HMOs).
