Objective To observe the effects of swallowing training earlier than the routine protocol in patients receiving horizontal hemilaryngectomy. Methods Forty patients admitted from January to December 2017 were treated as the control group and given routine swallowing rehabilitation, while 42 patients admitted from January 2018 to January 2019 were served as the intervention group and received psychological intervention, theoretical teaching, simulation training, practical training and diet guidance earlier than the routine protocol. Time for oral feeding, comfort, quality of life and swallowing function were compared between the two groups. Results The intervention group had earlier oral feeding, higher comfort and quality of life scores, as well as better swallowing function compared with the control group after the intervention （P＜0.01 for all）. Conclusion Providing swallowing training earlier than the routine protocol can accelerate oral feeding, enhance comfort during eating and improve quality of life of patients after horizontal hemilaryngectomy.