Voice, Swallowing, Respiration and Resonance Clinical Laboratory

A womans vocal folds are examined.

The voice, swallowing, respiration and resonance laboratories of the Charles Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic are operated by the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Western Michigan University. Speech and language services are provided by WMU student clinicians under the direct supervision of University faculty members. Some faculty members provide services directly.

Evaluation and treatment services are provided through the in-house voice and respiration laboratories. State-of-the-art technology, including stroboscopic and endoscopic techniques, provides precise observation and evaluation of the vocal and respiratory mechanisms. Services are designed for individuals who exhibit a voice or respiration problem, and include vocal performers, choral conductors, and those referred by speech-language pathologists or physicians.

Services

  • Comprehensive voice and swallowing evaluations.
  • Vocal screenings and evaluation services for professional voice users.
  • Individual and group voice therapy.
  • Family intervention and educational services.
  • Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hoarseness, vocal nodules and polyps, vocal fold paralysis, granuloma, vocal fold edema, laryngeal hyperfunction, paradoxical vocal fold movement, transgender voice therapy and alaryngeal voice restoration.

Meeting your needs

Children and adults can benefit from our services if they:

  • Need training to regain or improve their vocal quality.
  • Have voice, respiratory, or resonance disorders, or who are at risk for developing those disorders.
  • Wish to increase their ability to communicate or perform more effectively.
  • Need services such as acoustical testing, nasality assessment and laryngeal imaging.
  • Require assessment of velopharyngeal closure through flexible fiberoptic nasendoscopy.

Getting started

To learn more information about voice and respiration services, please call (269) 387-7059.