Voice disorders affect your ability to speak and swallow correctly and indicate a problem with the larynx (voice box) and the vocal cords. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we know that living with these disorders can be frustrating. Our specialists diagnose and treat disorders with ENT support to help patients speak with confidence.
How The Voice Functions
In order to communicate effectively, you count on your voice to work properly.
There are several important parts of the throat that help you make sounds to speak: the windpipe (trachea), larynx, and vocal cords. Your larynx and vocal cords are located at the top front of your windpipe. As you breathe in air through your windpipe, your vocal cords vibrate and create sound. When the parts of the throat don’t work correctly, it’s difficult to create sound to speak. If there’s a disorder with the vocal cords, your ability to swallow can be impacted as well.
Symptoms of Voice Disorders
Disorder symptoms include a weak or breathy voice, pain in the throat, loss of sound, hoarseness, trouble swallowing and more. There are many different disorders we treat that could be the cause of your symptoms, including:
- Laryngitis: Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, which is usually caused by infection.
- GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is attributed to chronic acid reflux. If left untreated, acid reflux can inflame the esophagus.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis can cause inflammation, lead to a sore and scratchy throat and contribute to hoarseness.
- Vocal Cord Nodules or Polyps: Usually caused by overuse, these growths are typically noncancerous. Other causes include coughing, allergies and acid reflux.
- Vocal Cord Paralysis: This refers to a dysfunction in the movement control of the vocal cords. In addition to making it difficult to talk, vocal cord paralysis also affects the ability to breathe.
- Thyroid Disorders: Can cause the vocal cord to thicken, causing the sound to be low and gruff.
- Myasthenia Gravis and Spasmodic Dysphonia: These neurological disorders affect the muscles and can cause various problems.
- Tumors: Can be an indicator of throat and larynx cancer.
- Vocal Fold Dysfunction: A condition in which the vocal cords close, causing patients to struggle to breathe.
Diagnosing Voice Disorders
In order to efficiently treat your disorder, your Ear, Nose and Throat specialist will first need to diagnose your condition. We use the latest technology and techniques in the field to offer exceptional care and diagnostic services to our patients. After discussing your symptoms and conducting a thorough medical exam, your provider may recommend an additional examination including:
A videostroboscopy: This records the vibrations of the vocal cords while the patient speaks with a small telescopic device. We record the vocal cords to examine for inflammation, unusual motion or other indicators of a disorder. This quick procedure occurs while the patient is awake.
A flexible fiberoptic exam: During this procedure, our specialist examines the vocal cords by placing a small tube down the nose and throat. This helps your provider get a better look at the vocal cords and can ultimately lead to a diagnosis.
Treating Voice Disorders
Our team prioritizes personalized care by creating individualized treatment plans. A patient’s treatment depends on the severity of the disorder, the area affected and any important factors noted during diagnosis. Some disorders go away on their own, and patients can help by resting or avoiding talking for a short period of time.
Treatment options for more complicated disorders may include medication, speech or voice therapy, or even surgery.
Restore Your Voice with Expert ENT Care in Richmond, VA
Your voice is an essential part of how you communicate and express yourself, so don’t let hoarseness, strain, or loss of voice hold you back. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, our skilled specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of voice disorders Using advanced technology and personalized therapy plans, we help patients regain clarity, strength, and confidence in their voice.
Call us today at (804) 484-3700 to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward restoring your natural, healthy voice.