Voice Disorders
What are Voice Disorders?
When a voice is misused or abused over a period of time, various
disorders can develop. Vocal abuse occurs in any activity that
strains or injures the vocal cords, such as excessive talking,
screaming or yelling, coughing, inhaling irritants, or smoking.
Vocal misuse occurs when someone consistently speaks too loudly
or at an abnormally high or low pitch. Continuous abuse or misuse
can damage the vocal cords and cause temporary or permanent
changes
in the voice, and possible loss of voice.
Common Voice Disorders
Following are some of the more common voice disorders:
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary widely and are dependent upon the way the voice
is used as well as the resulting disorder. If you experience vocal
change or hoarseness for more than 2 weeks, be sure to consult
with your physician.
Causes of Vocal Disorders
Vocal disorders can be temporary or permanent, minor or severe.
A temporary disorder, i.e., laryngitis, can result from yelling
too much at a sporting event. Other disorders can develop after
years of the wear and tear of vocal performance. Other times,
disorders can result from a person, consciously or subconsciously,
using their voice in an unnatural way - either speaking too loudly
all the time, or speaking at an unnaturally high or low pitch.
Diagnosing Vocal Disorders
If you experience symptoms for more than 2 weeks, consult with
your physician. He/she will begin to determine the cause of your
symptoms by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical
exam. Further tests and diagnostics will be prescribe depending
on what type of disorder your doctor suspects.
The Voice Center of the University Otolaryngology Associates
has a computer integrated system that allows doctors to perform
a
simple,
office-based
exam known
as
video
stroboscopy. The system produces digital images,
which are reviewed by the doctor to diagnose the
condition and prescribe the best treatment plan. The system is
especially helpful in the early detection and treatment of vocal
cord lesions.
Treatment Options
Voice Therapy
The best way to reverse conditions of vocal abuse and misuse
is to correct the vocal pattern that has created the disorder.
Learning good vocal technique can reduce the amount of pressure
put on the vocal cords. Botulinum toxcin
injections can also be used to treat voice disorders.
Surgery
Whenever possible, our specialists use minimally-invasive procedures,
such as microsurgery, to treat vocal disorders. More about surgery
for voice disorders
