OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of the audiologist in oral clearance. Due to the high incidence and prevalence of dysphagia in a hospital environment, and their potential consequences, diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders and food are of paramount importance. CASE REPORT: Patient, male, four months with a diagnosis of severe heart disease, underwent surgical procedures to correct heart, and Fundoplication Diaphragmatic generating prolonged mechanical ventilation. The admission to the intensive care unit occurred on the fourth day of life, extending for 120 days. It was fed in the womb for only one day of life, the use of probe nasal-enteric feed. The nursing staff encouraged the non-nutritive sucking during this period. After weaning from mechanical ventilation medical staff requested speech therapy, for the introduction of the mouth. During clinical assessment, there was rough non-nutritive sucking, with the reflexes of Gag, search and swallowing present. We also observed abnormal sensitivity lip, creating a framework of irritability and aversion to oral touch. The speech therapy involved oral stimuli, in order to adapt the tone of the tongue or lip seal. The patient developed enabling the introduction of small quantities of orally, while remaining in use feeding tube. After discharge the patient is receiving outpatient treatment. CONCLUSION: speech therapy assists in the improvement of the patient, especially in food safely and efficiently.