Swallowing difficulty apps

Swallowing difficulty apps

  • There are a variety of apps to support people with swallowing problems.
  • They can help you learn about your condition.
yellow unaunahi tile
Print this page

Swallowing difficulties may be caused by conditions including a stroke, head injury, dementia and cancer (eg, mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer). Swallowing difficulties can relate to problems with your mouth, throat or oesophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach).

Note: The medical term for swallowing difficulties is dysphagia.

Here are a few swallowing difficulty apps reviewed by Healthify

The following apps may be used to support rehabilitation in people with swallowing problems, together with other treatments recommended by their healthcare provider. Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

  • An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
  • If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
  • For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.
  • It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.

App Features Clinical score

Swallow Prompt

  • Reminders to swallow.
  • Tone or vibration reminders.
  • Available from Google Play and App Store.
  • Cost: free.
  • Read more about Swallow Prompt
4 star review

Swallow RehApp 

 
  • Dysphagia exercise plan. 
  • Education and information.
  • Track progress.
  • Dysphagia diet and recipes.
  • Available from the App Store only.
  • Cost: $3.99
  • Read more about Swallow RehApp
3.5 star review

SmallTalk Dysphagia 

  • A library of pictures and icon.
  • Has a human voice over.
  • Demonstration videos.
  • Available from the App Store.
  • Cost: free.
  • Read more about SmallTalk Dysphagia
3 star review

Aspiration Disorders

  • Anatomical illustrations.
  • Videos.
  • Animations.
  • Available from the App Store.
  • Cost: $4.99
  • Read more about Aspiration Disorders

If used by patients in isolation:




If used within a consultation with a speech language therapist:

3 star review

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.