Voice Problems

Voice Clinic

We use our voices every day and take them for granted as our means of communicating. However, voicing is a highly coordinated activity. Typical complaints about voices include a hoarse or raspy voice or a change in vocal quality.

Common problems that may affect your voice include:

• vocal cord nodules
• polyps
• contact ulcers
• vocal cord paralysis
• papillomas
• cancer of the larynx

A thorough evaluation is important to learn what the problem is and what to do about it.

If you have voice problems, you will be evaluated using a technique that allows us to see detail and subtle movements of the vocal cords that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

The examination is videotaped and reviewed later by you and your physician. This video provides visual feedback, helping you to understand your vocal cord problem, plus it can help you stick with your treatment plan.

Together, you, your doctor, and your speech/language pathologist work to obtain your best possible voice quality

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a voice disorder characterized by a strained and strangled-sounding voice.

Along with speech therapy, the treatment for spasmodic dysphonia used today is botulinum toxin injected into the vocal cords. This therapy provides temporary relief and lessens the strained voice quality. Most people require repeat injections every 3 to 6 months.