Our laryngology, or throat, experts at the Ear, Nose and Throat Program (Otolaryngology) are physicians who specialize exclusively in the care of the throat. They balance cure with function, and make every effort to preserve or improve patients’ swallowing and vocal function while treating the underlying disease process.

Center for Communication and Swallowing Disorders

Your body functions in a complicated way in order for you to speak and swallow. The lips, tongue, jaw, pharynx (back of throat), larynx (voice box) and esophagus (the muscular tube that leads to your stomach) all play an important role. But certain medical conditions affect these structures and cause swallowing problems (dysphagia) and/or communication problems.

Speech-language pathologists in the Center for Communication and Swallowing Disorders are experts in treating a variety of disorders, including:

  • Swallowing problems related to a variety of causes, including head and neck cancer
  • Communication problems related to cancer surgeries
  • Voice problems caused by too much muscle tension or weakness of the vocal cords
  • Breathing difficulties because of abnormal movement of the vocal cords triggered by climate changes, certain smells or sometimes stress
  • Chronic cough that is partly due to habit

Do you rely on your voice to make a living? Are you struggling with hoarseness, vocal fatigue or other persistent voice problems? Our Vocal Health Program can help anyone regain their voice, especially individuals such as teachers, actors, singers and salespeople who rely on it as one of their most important professional tools. Our physicians, nurse practitioners and speech-language pathologists have a unique understanding of how the voice works. Some of our team members are singers, and have a special interest in helping professional vocalists.

The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Vocal Health Program has been southeastern Wisconsin’s premier voice health care resource for over 25 years.

Chronic Cough Program

Everyone coughs on occasion. But when a cough is persistent, lasting two months or more, it’s time to see a specialist. Through our Chronic Cough Program, a medical evaluation by our team of laryngologists, nurse practitioners and speech-language pathologists can determine the cause of a cough and initiate proper treatment. Our speech-language pathologists can provide a behavioral management program for treating chronic cough. The length of treatment varies and is dependent on the needs of the patient, but typically no more than 2-3 sessions are necessary. Patients with chronic cough of many years duration have benefited from the program.

Head and Neck Cancers

Treating head and neck cancers is a delicate business. Our highly specialized laryngologists and head and neck cancer specialists use the latest surgical techniques, including transoral laser resection (TLR) and trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) to remove laryngeal cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Our goal is to treat the cancer while preserving your ability to swallow and speak.

Other Throat-Related Issues

What is the best part about throat care at the Ear, Nose and Throat Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin? We handle everything from routine tonsillectomies to relatively unusual conditions, such as paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction, when vocal cords move abnormally during breathing. It if affects your throat, we can help.

Learn about diagnosing and treating throat-related conditions.

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.

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