Sound Abilities
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Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can occur for many reasons including neurological conditions, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, illness, or ageing. Speech pathologists are trained to assess and support swallowing to help people eat and drink safely and comfortably.

At Sound Abilities Speech Pathology, we provide swallowing assessments and therapy for adults across Bribie Island, Moreton Bay, and North Brisbane.

Signs of Swallowing Difficulties
You may benefit from a swallowing assessment if you notice:
  • coughing or choking during meals
  • difficulty swallowing food or liquids
  • food getting stuck in the throat
  • frequent chest infections
  • unexplained weight loss
  • long or tiring mealtimes
  • changes in voice quality after swallowing
Swallowing problems can increase the risk of aspiration, chest infections, and reduced nutrition, so early assessment is important.

How Speech Pathology Can Help
Speech pathologists are specialists in swallowing and can assess how safely food and drinks are swallowed. Swallowing therapy may include:
  • clinical swallowing assessments
  • recommendations for safe food and drink textures
  • swallowing exercises
  • posture and positioning strategies
  • strategies to make eating and drinking safer
  • education for families and caregivers

If needed, we can also assist with referrals for instrumental swallowing assessments such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).

Swallowing Difficulties and Neurological Conditions
Dysphagia commonly occurs in conditions such as:
  • stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • neurological disorders
  • dementia
  • age-related muscle changes
Speech therapy can help support safe swallowing and maintain quality of life.

Our Approach
Our therapy focuses on functional, person-centred care, helping individuals maintain comfort and safety during meals while supporting independence and participation in daily life. We work closely with families, carers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care.

Our policies  |  ABN 74 653 769 889
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
  • Services
    • Speech Therapy for Adults >
      • Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
      • Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia)
      • Speech Therapy After Stroke
      • Voice Therapy
    • Speech Therapy for Children
    • Fees & Funding
    • Supervision
  • Contact
  • Work with us!
  • Blog
  • FAQs