Meet Tracy Klugger, MS, CCC-SLP, a compassionate speech language pathologist dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients who have undergone complete or partial laryngectomies. She was recently able to share her unique knowledge in Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP) evaluation and fitting with fellow providers during an 8-hour InHealth Experience course designed to bring life-changing procedures to communities everywhere.

 

“Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP) evaluation and fitting is a very specialized area of speech pathology and not traditionally taught in graduate school,” explains Klugger. Her patients come from far beyond the state of Colorado as she is one of the few speech language pathologists in the Mountain West region trained in the procedure.

TEP evaluation and fitting are integral to restoring communication abilities for laryngectomy patients. Through personalized assessments, clinicians determine the optimal size and placement of the TEP prosthesis. Proper fitting allows patients to produce clear and natural-sounding speech, facilitating effective communication and enhancing their quality of life. Tracy Klugger's knowledge in TEP evaluation and fitting empowers providers to help their patients reclaim their voice and engage in meaningful conversations once again.

Tracy Klugger, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech language pathologist practicing at CU Medicine Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. She is an instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Her interests are restoring speech, swallowing and alaryngeal voice to patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.