Voice is the sound generated by vibrating the vocal folds (or vocal cords) in the larynx (voice box). A voice disorder happens when your vocal folds don’t vibrate properly enough to generate a clear sound. During your voice disorder consultation, your Surprise facial plastic surgeon will ask you about your indicators and how long you have been experiencing them. Your doctor may also assess your vocal cords and larynx using various tests. These may include:
- Laryngoscopy
This test enables the specialist to examine your throat. With indirect laryngoscopy, the doctor holds a tiny mirror at the back of your throat and shines a light on it. Conversely, a small, illuminated scope known as a laryngoscope is utilized with fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The scope is placed through the nose down into your throat or directly down into the throat.
- Laryngeal electromyography
This examination detects electrical activity in the muscles of your throat. A small needle is positioned into certain neck muscles while electrodes transmit signals from your muscles to a computer. This may indicate nerve abnormalities in your throat.
- Imaging examinations
MRI and X-rays might reveal growths or other tissue issues in your throat.
- Stroboscopy
This exam employs a strobe light and a video camera to determine how your vocal cords vibrate during speaking.
An overview of voice disorders
Voice disorders impair your capacity to speak clearly. They may alter the tone, pitch, or volume of your voice. Also, they’re generally the result of overusing your voice or problems with the vocal cords or voice box. A voice disorder might make communicating with others or expressing yourself difficult. This can also have a significant impact on your quality of life. Additionally, most people can overcome voice issues with voice therapy, but some require medical or surgical therapy.
How does your voice function?
Air flows through your lungs, up into the windpipe, and via your voice box (larynx). Your vocal cords are located on either side of your larynx. They vibrate as air passes through them, creating the sound of your voice. It’s similar to whistling. When you force air via your lips, they vibrate slightly and produce a high-pitched sound.
Various types of voice disorders
There are several types of voice disorders, though the following are the most prevalent:
- Hoarseness is when your voice sounds weak or raspy. It can be caused by various causes, ranging from viral illnesses to Parkinson’s disease.
- Laryngitis is swelling or raspy of your voice box. It’s typically temporary and caused by allergies or an upper respiratory illness.
- Muscle tension dysphonia develops when your vocal cords are overstressed, and your muscles become tight.
- Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) hinders your vocal cords from fully opening, which might cause breathing difficulties.
- Spasmodic dysphonia is due to spasms in your voice box muscles.
- Vocal cord lesions are noncancerous growth (nodules, polyps, or cysts) that may damage your voice.
- Vocal cord paralysis hinders you from controlling your voice box muscles.
Voice disorders impair your ability to speak properly. They may impact the volume, pitch, or tone of your voice. Sometimes, voice issues are due to overuse and resolve once you rest your voice. Other times, voice difficulties are caused by more serious health concerns. Consult your healthcare physician if you detect a change in your voice that lasts more than a few weeks. Call Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat to schedule your meeting today to determine the ideal voice disorder therapies for you.
