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Voice is the medium with which we humans do a lot of communicating with the outside world. It is the very emblem of the speaker, so much so that a disorder in voice can hurt the physical, mental, and functional quality of life of the sufferer. Diagnosing and managing the same have developed significantly over the past 15 years.
Disturbances in voice vary from hoarseness, weakness, strain, reduced range, and pain. These problems need attention from an ENT doctor in Old Airport Road. If they do not resolve after 3 to 4 weeks of home remedies or treatment by the family physician. Different types of common voice disorders are Laryngitis, Spasmodic Dysphonia (voice change due to the brain and nervous system), and Precancerous and cancerous growths and polyps.
Which Group of People Needs Earlier Evaluation by A Laryngologist?
Several factors make some individuals more susceptible to voice disorders than others. Consult a doctor if you have any of these:
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Professional voice users.
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You have associated difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing.
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Associated neck swelling and neurologic symptoms like weakness, and imbalance.
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Tobacco users.
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Recent surgery of the head and neck area or admission to the intensive care unit
What Can You Expect in a Voice Clinic?
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Initial Assessment
As in all clinics, the specialist acquires intricate details of the symptoms and other relevant information
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Perceptual voice evaluation
The voice is graded (this helps in quantifying the progress and outcome of treatment)
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Aerodynamic assessment
To check strength, pitch, expiratory flow in phonation, maximum phonation time
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Clinical Examination
General Head, Neck, and Chest
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Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy with a flexible scope so that the voice box is checked for function, structural changes, and growth. The findings are analyzed and reported. At this point, diagnosis is arrived at.
When will a Stroboscopy Come into Use?
A stroboscopy helps in the diagnosis of some voice disorders and patient monitoring before and after treatment of malignancies in the area and to check for recurrence.
Medical Management of Voice Disorders
The medical management of voice disorders varies from antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-reflux medication, at times anti-anxiety medications, and injections of botox. Depending on the type and your condition, your ENT specialist will prescribe you the medication.
What does the Speech Therapist Offer?
Speech therapy is primarily recommended in patients undergoing voice disorder treatment in Old Airport Road. You may be asked to follow training and exercises based on the disease such as Direct or Symptomatic therapy, Physiological therapy, Indirect therapy with vocal hygiene programs and lifestyle changes.
Surgical Management of Voice Disorders:
When does One Advise Phono Surgery?
Phonosurgery is recommended when:
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There is a suspicion of malignancy.
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Benign lesions not amenable to or not responding to speech therapy and medications.
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Vocal cord paralysis and dysphonias like adolescent transitional dysphonia not responding to therapy.
What is Laryngeal Framework Surgery?
In some situations, direct surgery on the vocal cords is not done. The cartilaginous framework is operated on to bring about desired changes in the vocal cord function. It is known as thyroplasty.
Do Steroids have a Role in Voice Disorders?
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Limited use, is not recommended before a thorough evaluation
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Given in case of airway compromise due to inflammatory cause
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Direct injection to vocal folds in some situations
Key to a Good Voice
It is not difficult to maintain a good voice. Here are a few suggestions that remain as key to good voice:
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Hydration
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Avoid voice abuse/overuse
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Avoid tobacco
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Avoid spice
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