Matina Balou, PhD

As a swallowing disorders specialist at NYU Langone’s Voice Center, I manage swallowing problems that develop as a result of neurological, lung, and gastrointestinal conditions, spinal cord injury, and head and neck and esophageal cancer. I tease apart the causes of patients’ symptoms, and I offer individualized therapy to help improve their swallowing, including dietary changes and exercises.

I perform a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and fiber-optic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing. These tests allow me to visualize the way a person swallows saliva, food, and liquids. The Voice Center is the only clinic in New York where patients can be evaluated by a clinician and have fluoroscopy—an X-ray study—on the same day, saving them valuable time.

My interest in swallowing disorders stems from childhood. I am from Greece, and when I was a child, my grandfather was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. One of the side effects of his treatment was a swallowing disorder. It was challenging to determine what foods were safe for him to eat, and over time, the condition robbed him of his quality of life. It was then that I decided to dedicate my career to caring for people who have swallowing disorders.

At NYU Langone, we have the resources of a large academic medical center and can offer personalized care. At the Voice Center, a multidisciplinary team of laryngologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, head and neck surgeons, physiatrists, and voice and swallowing therapists works collaboratively to evaluate patients and provide surgical and rehabilitative services.

It is very rewarding when my patients’ swallowing improves to the point that they do not need to return for more therapy. They can finally enjoy meals with friends and family, improving their quality of life.

I am passionate about my work. I have been a member of various associations and committees focused on swallowing disorders, and have served as president of the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association.