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When everyday functions like swallowing, speaking, or breathing become difficult, it can affect your quality of life. As a highly qualified ENT Specialist in NSW and Newcastle, Dr Brett Leaver offers personalised, evidence-based care for a wide range of swallowing, voice, and airway disorders. Early consultation can lead to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment—book a consultation to discuss your symptoms.
Yes. ENT specialists like Dr Leaver are trained to assess and manage conditions that affect the throat, voice box, and oesophagus. Swallowing problems can stem from a wide range of causes—neurological, muscular, structural, or inflammatory.
Salivary gland disorders
Neurological conditions
Oesophageal strictures
Post-surgical or cancer-related complications
Feeling like food is stuck in the throat
Coughing or choking while eating
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
Regurgitation of food or liquid
Frequent throat clearing
Swallowing function tests
Flexible endoscopy to examine the throat and oesophagus
Referrals for radiological imaging or speech therapy assessment
These symptoms often overlap due to the shared anatomy of the throat and airway. If you’re struggling to breathe and swallow comfortably, this could be due to:
Inflammation from allergies or infections
Vocal cord dysfunction
Neuromuscular problems
Masses or structural changes in the throat
Related symptoms to watch for:
A constant need to clear the throat
Shortness of breath during swallowing
Difficulty swallowing saliva or food
Hoarseness or voice changes
Feeling like you’re not getting enough air
When to see an ENT:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, especially with changes in voice or breathing, it’s important to seek medical advice. Dr Leaver can provide a detailed assessment and recommend next steps.
ENT specialists are often the first to diagnose and treat voice changes. Whether you’re a professional voice user or noticing hoarseness, early evaluation can prevent complications.
Common voice disorders treated include:
Vocal cord nodules or polyps
Reflux-related laryngitis
Vocal fold paralysis
Muscle tension dysphonia
What to expect during an ENT voice assessment:
History of voice use and symptoms
Laryngoscopy to visualise vocal cords
Collaboration with speech pathologists for therapy
Dysphagia is primarily a swallowing disorder, though it may be associated with voice issues, particularly if the vocal cords or muscles used for swallowing are affected.
Oropharyngeal (mouth and throat-related)
Oesophageal (food pipe-related)
Functional (no structural cause found)
Dr Leaver works closely with other specialists, including neurologists and speech pathologists, to determine the root cause of dysphagia and tailor treatment accordingly.
If you’re experiencing:
Chronic hoarseness or voice fatigue
Persistent sore throat or discomfort
Difficulty swallowing or unexplained coughing
Breathing that feels restricted or noisy
… it’s time to consult an ENT. Early referral ensures timely diagnosis and intervention.
Special interest in functional and structural ENT conditions
Extensive experience managing airway, swallowing, and vocal issues in adults and children
Patient-centred approach and careful attention to quality of life
Collaborates with speech therapists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists when needed
Uses evidence-based, minimally invasive procedures where appropriate
A swallow test helps assess how safely and effectively you move food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. ENT specialists may use physical exams, imaging tests, or refer you for a video swallow study.
A VFSS is a specialised X-ray done while you swallow different foods and liquids. It shows how your throat muscles and airway behave during swallowing. It’s often done alongside a speech pathologist.
This is a swallowing exercise where you lightly hold your tongue between your teeth while swallowing. It’s used to strengthen throat muscles and improve coordination, often as part of a therapy plan.
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is usually diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as endoscopy, a barium swallow, or a video swallow study. An ENT may also work with a speech pathologist or other specialists to confirm the cause.
Yes, many people with dysphagia live long and full lives. The key is early diagnosis, proper management, and ongoing support. Managing risks like choking or aspiration is important to prevent complications.
Noisy or difficult swallowing can be caused by muscle tension, acid reflux, or structural issues in the throat. If it’s frequent or concerning, an ENT assessment can help rule out underlying problems.
Voice loss without pain may result from vocal strain, reflux, overuse, or nerve issues. If your symptoms last more than a few weeks, it’s best to see an ENT for further evaluation.
Hypophonia refers to a voice that is unusually soft or weak. It’s often linked to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease but can also relate to vocal fold weakness or reduced breath support.
CRBD isn’t a standard clinical term in ENT. If you’re experiencing unusual voice or breathing changes, your ENT specialist can assess your symptoms and provide clarity based on clinical evidence.
Pain during swallowing but not when eating solid food may be due to throat irritation, acid reflux, muscle tension, or a mild infection. It’s best to see a doctor if the pain persists or worsens.
Dysphagia can be caused by either—or both. Neurological causes include stroke or nerve damage, while structural causes might involve blockages, inflammation, or muscle dysfunction. A full ENT and speech assessment can help identify the type and guide treatment.
This article is intended for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, speak with your GP or ask your GP to write a referral to see Dr Leavers.
Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Head and Neck Surgeon. He has been practising across NSW for over ten years.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms vary from person to person — if you're concerned, it's worth getting assessed
Meet Dr Leavers
Dr Leavers, BMedSci MBBS (Hons) FRACS (ORL-HNS), is an ENT Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon who treats adult and paediatric conditions.
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent issues with swallowing, breathing, or voice, don’t delay. Call now to book your consultation with Dr Brett Leaver – ENT Specialist in Newcastle and Sydney, NSW.
Send us a message
You can call us on (02) 9037 6373 to make an appointment or discuss our medical services. One of our team members will be available to take your call during business hours. If you would prefer email, you can send us an enquiry using the form below.
St Vincent’s Clinic Suite 1008, Level 10, 438 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010