This expert doctor of the function of the larynx, seat of the vocal cords, treats disorders related to the voice and swallowing. What pathologies are treated? What happens during a consultation ? Are the sessions reimbursed?
What is the role of the phoniatrist?
“The phoniatrist is a ENT doctor specializing in the treatment of voice, speech and swallowing. Its role also extends to communication disorders“, says Dr. Sabine Crestani.
What is the difference between a phoniatrist and an ENT?
Phoniatrics is a ENT specialization. The phoniatrist is therefore an ENT doctor, who has chosen to add a string to his bow. But if ENT deals exclusively with disorders of the ears, nose, mouth and throat, the phoniatrist is more specifically interested in larynx and speech, voice and swallowing disorders.
When to consult a phoniatrist?
This specialist can be consulted in case of:
- Moults abnormal
- Voice disorders related to neurological or psychological impairment
- Voice disorders following cancer or its treatments
- Speech delays in the child
- stutters
- swallowing disorder. It is characterized by discomfort or difficulty in swallowing food. The latter may be due to an ENT disease, the consequences of cervical or thoracic surgery, a neurodegenerative disease (such as Parkinson’s disease, Charcot’s disease, etc.), a stroke or cancer.
During the consultation, the speech therapist performs a nasopharyngoscopic. “It is a fibroscopic examination to visualize the laryngeal area either by a nasofibroscope (soft fiber passing through the nose) or by a epipharyngoscopy (rigid tube inserted through the mouth), explains Dr. Crestani. Painless, most of the time, this examination does not require the use of anesthesia“. The treatment will depend on the cause of the disorder: it can range from support in speech therapy to drug treatment, including surgery in the event of a polyp or cyst.
The consultation is reimbursed at 70% by Social Security
What is the cost of a consultation?
According to Health Insurance, the price of a consultation with a specialist doctor in sector 1 is 30 €. If he is in sector 2, his fees are free.
Is it reimbursed?
Yes, the phoniatrist being a doctor, his consultation is reimbursed at 70% by Social Security. If the fee is exceeded, the mutual health insurance can take over.
What studies to become a phoniatrist?
To be a phoniatrist is to be a doctor. Of the medical studies are therefore essential. “If previously, this specialty was open to the branches of general medicine, neurology in particular, today it is a subspecialization accessible only to ENT specialists. The latter can pass university degrees such as the DESIU of laryngophoniatrics or the DIU of swallowing“, adds Dr. Crestani.
Thanks to Drs. Sabine Crestani and Laetitia Plisson, ENT doctors, Phoniatricians and members of the Société Française Phoniatrie et Laryngologie.