Evaluation Episodes

When we talk about dysphagia, “choking” is often used as a worst-case scenario—but how often does it actually happen, who’s really at risk, and what can we actually do about it? This week on Speech Talk, Emily and Eva dive into the research article “Dying for a Meal” to unpack the realities of choking across populations. From defining what “choking” really means (hint: it’s not always what we think), to exploring who’s most at risk, they break down the evidence behind one of the most feared complications in swallowing. They also get into the messy, real-world side of things: the emotional impact of choking, the unintended consequences of diet modifications, and why person-centered care is often missing from the conversation. Plus, practical strategies SLPs can actually use—like pacing, environmental supports, interdisciplinary collaboration, and staff education—to reduce risk without over-restricting patients. And, as always, they keep it real with clinical stories, ethical d…

DOSS It Matter? (Spoiler: Yes.) In this episode, Emily and Eva explore the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS), an assessment tool for quantifying swallowing disorders. They discuss the history and importance of the DOSS in bringing objectivity and consistency to dysphagia evaluations, highlighting its relevance for effective documentation and insurance communication. The conversation details the seven-point scale, emphasizing how it aids clinicians in monitoring patient progress and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Advocating for enhanced communication among healthcare providers and families to improve patient care and outcomes, ultimately reinforcing the significance of evidence-based practices in dysphagia management.

In this episode, Eva and Emily discuss the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), a vital dysphagia screener for adults that assesses swallowing difficulties through patient self-reports. They highlight the importance of interpreting scores accurately, particularly in identifying clinically significant impairments. Through findings from a study involving 200 participants, the researchers distinguished between neurogenic and structural/esophageal dysphagia, noting how each affects patient experiences differently. We also address the practical use of the EAT-10 in clinical settings and the challenges of patient self-reporting.

What does your oral mech exam really tell you? In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily get down and dirty (with tongue depressors, not drama) and explore why the phrase 'say ahh' is so iconic. They cover what is a normal oral cavity for our geri crowd, how to link findings to clinical hypotheses, and how to improve your diagnostic skills even when patients can’t cooperate as much as you might like. If you’ve ever opened someone's mouth and wondered, “...Is that normal?” This one’s for you You’ll learn: What the oral mech exam actually reveals (and what it doesn’t) Common pitfalls: symmetry obsession, passive exams, and more How to link oral mech findings to real clinical hypotheses Normal vs …Definitely not normal oral structures Why “ahh” is more than just a sound

QAB Aphasia Bonus Episode is dropping in honor of National Aphasia Awareness Month. Eva and Emily decided to feature their favorite evidence-based tools: the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB) by Lucanie et al. Whether you're new to aphasia evaluation or just feeling a little out of practice, this episode gives you a smart, supportive walkthrough of how the QAB can save you time without sacrificing clinical depth.