Voice

Hoarseness is an inflammation of the larynx that results in a change in the voice, making it sound breathy, raspy, scratchy or strained. There may be changes in volume and pitch, as well. Hoarseness falls under the medical category of dysphonia, which refers to voice impairment or any sort of difficulty speaking. What Causes Hoarseness?…

Laryngitis is swelling and irritation of the larynx (voice box). It causes hoarseness and, in some cases, voice loss. It can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting), but is usually the result of a temporary viral infection or vocal strain and clears up quickly. Persistent laryngitis that lasts longer than three weeks could be a…

Vocal cords, also called vocal folds, play an important role in how we produce sounds. First there must be air in your lungs, which occurs through the act of inhaling. The air is then pushed through the lungs into your windpipe. At the top of the windpipe sit your vocal cords, which stay open when…

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a voice disorder. It causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the voice box or larynx. The voices of people with spasmodic dysphonia can vary in quality and sound, ranging from difficulty saying a word or two to being unable to talk at all. Often, however, the disorder causes the voice…

Keeping your voice healthy will ensure you are able to communicate properly, and for some people who rely on it to earn a living – singers, teachers and lawyers, for instance – good voice health is essential. These same individuals tend to put more strain on their vocal cords. Even those whose professions don’t require…

Since many voice disorders are caused by problems in the voice box and/or throat, a careful and detailed examination of the voice box and throat is key to the identification of the cause or causes of voice disorders. Several methods can be used to examine the throat and voice box. Laryngeal mirrorFlexible fiberoptic laryngoscopyLaryngeal stroboscopy…

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are highly qualified professionals who are licensed in the evaluation and treatment of articulation, language, stuttering, voice, cognition and swallowing disorders. Within an ENT clinic, they typically provide rehabilitation services related to voice therapy (ex, for hoarseness) and swallowing therapy. What is a voice team and why should I choose an SLP…

A total laryngectomy is a surgery performed in the advanced stages of cancer and involves removing the voice box (larynx). After a laryngectomy, breathing happens via an opening in the neck instead of the nose and mouth. Undergoing a total laryngectomy can be an overwhelming and often isolating experience, but we’re here to help you!…