ENT Disorders
Voice and Speech
If you’re having difficulty with your voice or speech, seek out a qualified ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. ENT specialists are trained to diagnose and treat various voice and speech issues, from hoarseness to swallowing problems.
Vocal Cord Granulomas / Nodules
Vocal cord granulomas and nodules are common voice and speech problems that ENT specialists can help diagnose and treat. These issues can cause significant changes in the quality of your voice, including hoarseness, vocal fatigue, decreased range, breathiness, and other vocal impairments.
Vocal cord granulomas occur when inflammation of the vocal cords leads to the formation of a growth or tumor-like mass on the vocal folds. This mass can cause a narrowing of the airway, limiting airflow and making speech difficult. Sometimes, a vocal cord granuloma can even cause complete airway obstruction, resulting in difficulty breathing.
Nodules are benign tumors that form on the vocal cords due to trauma or overuse. Like granulomas, nodules can result in a hoarse or raspy voice and limited range and breathiness. Nodules can also cause vocal fatigue. This issue is when the vocal cords become exhausted after using them for an extended period.
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis is a condition in which one or both of the vocal cords do not move properly. This condition can cause problems with voice production, resulting in hoarseness, breathiness, and other speech quality changes.
Fortunately, an ENT specialist can help to diagnose and treat vocal cord paralysis. An ENT specialist will perform a physical examination of the vocal cords and assess the movement of the vocal cords while you are speaking or singing.
Once diagnosed, treatment for vocal cord paralysis will depend on the severity of the condition and what has caused it. Treatment may include speech therapy to help strengthen the vocal cords, surgery, or injections to reduce swelling and scarring of the vocal cords.
With the help of an ENT specialist, patients can manage vocal cord paralysis. People can regain their full range of voice and speech capabilities. If you suspect that you may have vocal cord paralysis, contact an ENT specialist for more information about diagnosis and treatment options.
Vocal Cord Polyps
Vocal cord polyps are small, non-cancerous growths that form on the vocal cords. They are usually caused by vocal abuse, such as overuse or improper use of the voice. Symptoms of vocal cord polyps may include hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or a feeling of something blocking the airway.
Treatment for vocal cord polyps typically involves removing the growth surgically. Your ENT specialist can determine if surgery is the best option for you. If surgery is unnecessary, other treatments are available such as speech therapy and medications.
No matter what your voice or speech issues are, an ENT specialist can help. An ENT specialist is trained to diagnose and treat voice and speech disorders and any underlying conditions that may be causing them. Don’t hesitate to contact an ENT specialist if you have concerns about your voice or speech.
Hoarseness/Laryngitis
If you are experiencing hoarseness or laryngitis, an ENT specialist can help. Hoarseness and laryngitis are common voice and speech problems that can be caused by a variety of medical issues. An ENT specialist can examine your vocal cords and determine your best treatment options.
Hoarseness is caused when your vocal cords are swollen or strained, resulting in a scratchy, husky, or weak-sounding voice. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness or a loss of voice.
An ENT specialist will likely ask questions about your symptoms and take a look at your vocal cords through a fiber-optic scope. If a viral infection is suspected, the doctor may recommend rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding irritants. If laryngitis is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy is a state-of-the-art procedure that helps ENT specialists diagnose and treat various voice and speech problems. The procedure uses a specialized endoscope with a light source and camera. During the procedure, the do ctor will look at the vocal folds, larynx, and vocal tract to identify any issues causing the patient’s speech or voice difficulty.
Using this technology, ENT specialists can assess vocal fold vibrations and activity to identify problems such as vocal fold paralysis, vocal fold scarring, or vocal fold nodules. Additionally, videostroboscopy allows for visualization of the vocal folds during speaking so that the doctor can assess speech-related issues such as muscle tension, pitch variation, timing, and voicing quality.
The procedure is often recommended in cases where a patient has difficulty speaking or has been diagnosed with a vocal disorder. By assessing the patient’s vocal anatomy and speech capabilities, an ENT specialist can develop an appropriate treatment plan to help improve their voice and speech issues.
An ENT will first evaluate your vocal health by performing a comprehensive physical examination and looking for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing your voice or speech problems. Your ENT may perform additional tests such as imaging scans, laryngoscopy, or a complete audiometric evaluation.
Once the underlying cause of your condition is determined, your ENT will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that can help reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life, and promote healthy vocal habits. Common treatments for voice and speech issues include lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress levels, avoiding smoking and caffeine, and optimizing breathing techniques; medication; or voice therapy.
Your ENT specialist can also help you with vocal exercises and techniques to help you regain the full range of your voice. They can also give you tips on using your voice more efficiently so that you don’t strain your vocal cords or muscles. In addition, your ENT specialist can work with you to find an individualized treatment plan to reduce any accompanying pain, swelling, or other issues contributing to your speech or voice difficulties.