What if a microphone and a few sensors placed on the neck could detect dysphagia; without access to FEES  or videofluoroscopy, maybe even without a dysphagia specialist in the room?

In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ervin Sejdic, a biomedical engineer at the university of Toronto, whose research is changing the way we think about dysphagia assessment. Ervin leads work on High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation (HRCA) – a method that captures the sounds and vibrations of swallowing using sensors on the throat, then analyses that data with signal processing algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify aspiration risk and characterise swallowing function.

We talk about how to develop biomarkers for dysphagia, and how they could one day fill the gap of reliable swallowing assessment where FEES or videofluoroscopy may not be accessible; in hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings alike.

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Dysphagia is an under-recognised but clinically important complication following cardiac surgery. In this episode, Prof. Cara Donohue discusses why dysphagia can occur despite surgery being anatomically distant from the swallowing mechanism. We explore the complexities of dysphagia in patients post cardiac surgery, highlighting risk factors, prevalence, assessment methods, and potential interventions. Cara shares her research findings and clinical perspectives, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Topics covered

Preparing safe, enjoyable meals for people with dysphagia can be challenging but it does not have to mean sacrificing enjoyment of food, variety, and social connection. How can clinicians and caregivers help ensure meals remain safe and enjoyable?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Simone Howells from Griffith University, Australia, about the second edition of Beyond the Blender: Dysphagia Made Easier; a freely available cookbook featuring 30 recipes organised according to IDDSI Levels 2–6.

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Meta-analyses are powerful tools, but they can be challenging to interpret. In this episode, we explore how dysphagia clinicians can better understand and critically evaluate meta-analyses to support evidence-informed practice. We are joined by Prof. Kendrea Garand to talk about the article “How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech and Language Therapy: A Tutorial for Clinicians.”

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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Raele Loy, a Speech and Language Therapist and research scientist at the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We discuss a critical but often overlooked aspect of dysphagia care: health equity, or the lack thereof. Raele discusses what sparked her interest in health equity, and explains what ‘health disparities’ mean in clinical practice and research today. She discusses what is currently known about disparities in dysphagia assessment and management, and presents her conceptual framework which illustrates how disparities emerge and persist throughout the entire eating and swallowing care pathway in people with dementia.

Behind the tremor in Parkinson’s disease lies a complex neurodegenerative process that affects far more than movement. In this conversation, we are joined by Prof. emer. Werner Poewe, neurologist and one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s disease. He unpacks the evolving understanding of Parkinson’s disease, from James Parkinson’s first observations to today’s insights into pathology, prodromal symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. With a special focus on swallowing and dysphagia, we explore what clinicians need to know to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease across all stages of the disease.

Button batteries may be small, but their impact can be devastating. In this episode, we speak with Prof. Kris Jatana about the serious and often hidden dangers of button battery ingestion in children. Found in everyday household items, these small batteries can cause severe injuries to the esophagus and surrounding structures within hours of ingestion.

Kris explains what button batteries are, how they cause injury when swallowed, and why quick recognition and management are critical. We discuss the challenges in diagnosing unwitnessed ingestions, the steps parents and caregivers should take in an emergency, and current strategies for acute and long-term management.

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​​What is it like to live with dysphagia due to ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)? In this episode, Adrienne shares her personal journey: from first noticing symptoms, through the path to diagnosis, and how the condition has evolved over time.

We explore the deep impact of IEM on eating, drinking, social life, and quality of life. Adrienne talks about what it is like to have an invisible disease, the struggles of explaining the condition to family and friends, the treatments and strategies she has tried, what has helped, and what remains challenging.

To close, she offers thoughtful advice for others newly diagnosed with IEM, as well as important insights for healthcare professionals supporting people with this condition.

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Prof. Taher Omari, Physiologist, Principal Research Fellow and lead of the Swallowing Research Group at Flinders University in Adelaide (Australia) joins us to share insights on the new Leuven Consensus. This research project sets out recommendations for pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) disorders using high-resolution manometry with impedance (P-HRM-I).

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In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Kathryn Steadman, who gave an excellent presentation at last year’s European Society for Swallowing Disorders conference in Münster, Germany. Her talk explored the question: Does swallowing tablets with an IDDSI Level 4 gel impact drug absorption?

Because this topic isn’t discussed much – and Kathryn brings a lot of expertise as a pharmacist – we’re happy to have her with us to talk about safe and effective medication intake for people with dysphagia.

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