--- title: "Voice and swallowing care at Sutter Health" description: "If you’re having trouble speaking or swallowing, it could be more than a sore throat. Our team of voice and swallowing clinicians offers specialized care for your voice, larynx and airway." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/voice-swallowing-care" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) / 3. Voice and swallowing care ![doctor-feeling-throat](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-professionals/doctor-feeling-throat1.jpg?h=2423&iar=0&w=5000) # Voice and swallowing care When speaking, singing, swallowing or breathing becomes difficult, it can affect every part of your life. Our laryngology team delivers highly specialized, innovative care for complex voice and airway conditions. [Find an ENT specialist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Laryngology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22Laryngologist%22&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ![doctor-feeling-throat](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-professionals/doctor-feeling-throat1.jpg?h=2423&iar=0&w=5000) ## Why choose Sutter? Our program brings together fellowship-trained laryngologists, voice-specialized speech-language pathologists and singing voice specialists who understand both everyday needs and the demands of professional voice use. We care for adults with common voice, swallowing and airway concerns — from chronic cough and throat tightness to vocal strain and airway conditions such as vocal cord dysfunction. Our clinicians also treat complex conditions like laryngeal cancer, using leading-edge technology to help support your comfort, voice and well-being. We offer in-office tests, minimally invasive procedures and a full range of surgical options, along with therapies such as manual laryngeal treatment and voice rehabilitation. With nationally recognized specialists, advanced surgical expertise and a commitment to compassionate, personalized care, we help you feel and sound more like yourself again. ## By the numbers ### 5+ fellowship-trained specialists dedicated to restoring voice and swallowing with precision. ### 1 center of excellence pioneering innovation and transforming head and neck care. ### 7 Sutter hospitals named among America’s Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2025. ### Top 15 health system as recognized by Premier, placing us among the best in the nation. ## Need a referral? Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788) [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ![voice-swallowing-team](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/group/voice-swallowing-team.jpg?h=1876&iar=0&w=2560) ## Voice and swallowing center  Led by [Katherine Yung, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-katherine-c-yung-1046245106), our nationally recognized voice and swallowing team in San Francisco delivers advanced care for voice, swallowing and airway concerns. Every member of our team brings specialized fellowship training and real-world vocal performance experience, giving us unique insight into your needs. We use state-of-the-art technology for precise diagnosis and offer a full spectrum of treatments, from office-based procedures and minimally invasive surgery to personalized voice and swallowing therapy. [Schedule a consultation](tel:+4156000151) [Our team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Laryngology%22%2C%22Speech+Pathologist%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22Laryngology%22&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Within+50+miles%3A+2340+Clay+Street%2C+San+Francisco%2C+CA+94115%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_offices.officeOrFacility.builtin.location%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24near%22%2C%22value%22%3A%7B%22lat%22%3A37.7911661%2C%22lng%22%3A-122.4319193%2C%22radius%22%3A80467.2%7D%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ## Conditions - Acute/Chronic Laryngitis - Aspiration or Recurrent Pneumonia - Benign and Pre-Cancerous Laryngeal Conditions - Chronic cough - Chronic Throat Irritation - Cricoarytenoid Joint Fixation - Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction - Difficulty Swallowing - Functional Aphonia - Hoarseness or Chronic Voice Changes - Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction/Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (ILO/PVFM) - Irritable Larynx Syndrome (ILS) - Laryngeal Cancer - Laryngeal Papillomatosis - Laryngitis - Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) - Muscle Tension Dysphonia - Neurologic Swallowing Disorders - Oropharyngeal Dysphagia - Post-Surgical Voice Changes - Posterior Glottic Stenosis or Webs - Presbyphonia (Age-Related Voice Changes) - Professional Voice Disorders (Singers, Actors) - Spasmodic Dysphonia - Stridor or Noisy Breathing - Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis - Sulcus Vocalis - Swallowing Changes After Cancer - Swallowing-Related Choking or Coughing - Throat Pain Disorders - Vocal Cord Conditions - Vocal Fold Atrophy - Vocal Fold Nodules, Polyps and Cysts - Vocal Fold Paralysis or Paresis - Vocal Fold Scar - Voice disorders - Voice Tremor - Zenker’s Diverticulum ## Diagnostics - Aerodynamic and Acoustic Assessment of the Voice - Flexible and Rigid Laryngeal Videostroboscopy - Flexible Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES) - Modified Barium Swallow Study ## Treatments - Arytenoid Adduction - Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy - Botulinum Toxin Injections - Cricopharyngeal Dilation - Cricopharyngeal Myotomy - Cricotracheal or Tracheal Resection - Direct Laryngoscopy (Microlaryngoscopy) - Endoscopic Dilation for Subglottic or Tracheal Stenosis - Endoscopic Dilation of Laryngotracheal Stenosis - Endoscopic Treatment of Airway Stenosis - In-Office Injection Laryngoplasty - In-Office Intralesional Steroid Injections - In-Office Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation - Laryngeal Electromyography (EMG) Guided Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections - Laryngeal Framework Surgery - Laryngotracheal Reconstruction - Laser-Assisted Voice Adjustment (LAVA) - Manual Laryngeal Massage Therapy - Medialization Thyroplasty - Office-Based Laryngeal Biopsy - Phonomicrosurgery - Pitch Modification Surgery - Reflux Medical Management - Respiratory Retraining Therapy - Singing Voice Rehabilitation - Specialized Voice Therapy - Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block - Swallowing therapy - Voice therapy - Zenker’s Diverticulum Repair ## Related services - [Allergy care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/allergy) - [Ear, nose and throat](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/ear-nose-and-throat) - [Facial nerve care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/facial-nerve-care) - [Head and neck cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-cancer) - [Head and neck care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-and-neck-care) - [Head and neck oncologic surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery) - [Interventional pulmonology](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/interventional-pulmonology) - [Pediatric ear, nose and throat care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pediatric-ear-nose-and-throat-care) - [Speech and language therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/speech-and-language-therapy) - [Throat care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/throat-care) ## Voice and swallowing care locations ### [Complex Head & Neck Surgery Program](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/complex-head-neck-surgery-program-2005606272) 2340 Clay Street, 5th Floor San Francisco, CA 94115 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=2340+Clay+Street%2C+5th+Floor+San+Francisco%2C+CA+94115+US) [415-600-0151](tel:+14156000151) 415-366-7559 Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed **View additional hours** Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed ![researcher-microscope](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/medical-doctors/researcher-microscope.jpg?h=1415&iar=0&w=2119) ## Otolaryngology – head and neck cancer research Cancer happens when cells divide uncontrollably. There are many types and causes of cancer, but our oncology research helps create effective treatments that improve and extend lives. [View clinical research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_researchTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Head+and+Neck+Cancer%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=clinical_trial) Frequently asked questions **When should I seek care for voice, swallowing or airway issues?** If you’ve had hoarseness, vocal fatigue, throat tightness or voice changes that last more than two weeks, it’s time to get checked out. Singers and vocal professionals with sudden changes may need urgent evaluation. Trouble breathing or swallowing should never be ignored. And if a lingering cough sticks around after a cold, we’re here to help. **What is voice therapy?** Voice therapy helps you improve or restore how your voice works. It’s led by a speech-language pathologist trained in vocal rehabilitation and tailored to your needs, whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a disorder or working on breathing or cough issues. Most people have four to six sessions over a few months, and many see life-changing results. **What’s the difference between a voice therapist and a speech-language pathologist?** A voice therapist is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) but with extra training focused on voice rehabilitation. Unlike general SLPs who may work with kids or adults on speech and language, voice therapists are medically trained to treat vocal injury and disorders. They’re also different from voice teachers, who focus on technique but don’t treat medical conditions. **What’s the difference between a laryngologist and an ENT?** All laryngologists are ENTs but not all ENTs are laryngologists. Laryngologists go through additional fellowship training to focus specifically on throat and voice conditions. They’re the go-to doctors for complex vocal issues and care for professional voice users. ## Care for voice and airway Find treatment at Sutter, where teams diagnose and manage complex disorders affecting speech, swallowing and breathing. [Find an ENT specialist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Laryngology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22Laryngologist%22&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/voice-swallowing-care#medicalwebpage","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/voice-swallowing-care","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/voice-swallowing-care#breadcrumblist"},"name":"Voice and swallowing care at Sutter Health","description":"If you’re having trouble speaking or swallowing, it could be more than a sore throat. 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