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The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences presents Balaji Rangarathnam in the Gruber Seminar Series. The event will take place April 13 from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in room 170 of the Speech and Hearing Sciences Building.

Balaji Rangarathnam, assistant professor at East Carolina University, will speak in the series about evidence assessments and treatment for neurogenic dysphagia and vocal hyper function.

Rangarathnam holds a Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, a Master of Science in speech-language pathology, and a Bachelor of Science in speech and hearing sciences both from the University of Mysore. His professional interests relate to voice and swallowing disorders. He is the director of the Voice and Swallowing Research Lab.

Rangaratham will present the strengths of the clinical swallowing exam in the context of swallowing assessments. Generally the clinical swallowing exam is a subjective non-instrumental exam, which is believed not to provide critical information regarding swallowing physiology. In addition, data regarding physiological considerations for the recommendations of a least restrictive diet consistency will be showcased.