Voice-Related Issues

If you're experiencing voice-related issues, or if previous treatment hasn't improved your symptoms, it's essential to visit a primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Depending on the severity and specifics of your condition, your physician may refer you to a laryngologist—a specialist focused on the larynx, or voice box. The larynx is a critical area of the throat that controls voice, breathing and swallowing.

Common laryngeal disorders

Laryngeal disorders vary widely in symptoms and severity, often affecting the voice, ability to swallow, or breathing. Common conditions include:

• Vocal nodules or polyps: These are benign tissue growths on the vocal cords, often resulting from overuse or irritation. They can cause a hoarse, breathy, or rough voice.
• Vocal fold paralysis: This occurs when one or both vocal cords cannot move, affecting voice quality, swallowing, and sometimes breathing.
• Respiratory papilloma: Wart-like growths in the airway caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can obstruct airflow and impact voice.
• Spasmodic dysphonia: A neurological disorder that causes spasms in the vocal cords, leading to a strained or choppy voice. 

Voice disorder symptoms

Signs of voice-related issues may include:

• Hoarseness or voice changes lasting over two weeks
• Pain or discomfort when speaking or swallowing
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of obstruction in the throat
• Persistent cough or throat clearing
• Difficulty projecting or maintaining vocal quality 

Diagnostic process

An ENT specialist or laryngologist may use a variety of diagnostic tools to understand the underlying causes of your voice issues. These can include:

• Laryngoscopy: A procedure to view the vocal cords and surrounding areas
• Stroboscopy: A special imaging technique that allows for detailed observation of vocal cord vibrations
• Voice assessment: This may involve a speech-language pathologist (SLP) assessing your vocal quality and stamina

Treatment options for voice issues

Treatment varies based on the diagnosis, symptoms and overall health. Some of the most common treatments include:

Speech and language pathology therapy: Similar to physical therapy but for the voice, this outpatient treatment strengthens the vocal cords and improves vocal function. It’s often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate voice disorders.

Voice injections or implants: For conditions like vocal cord paralysis, injections (e.g., Botox) or implants can help improve voice quality and swallowing function. These are often minimally invasive and done in-office or outpatient settings.

Surgery: If growths, nodules or other anatomical issues are identified, surgery may be necessary. Procedures can range from removing polyps or papillomas to laser surgery, which reshapes the affected areas to restore voice function.

Managing and preventing voice problems

Maintaining good vocal health is important, especially if you use your voice heavily, such as in teaching or public speaking. Here are some tips for maintaining vocal health:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as these can irritate the vocal cords.
• Practice good vocal hygiene by avoiding yelling or whispering, which can strain the vocal cords.
• Rest your voice after extended use or when feeling strained.

Read more about caring for your voice.

When to seek help

If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms that interfere with daily activities, it’s time to seek help. Banner Health offers a wide range of treatments for voice disorders, from diagnostic evaluations to personalized treatment plans designed to help you regain your voice and improve your quality of life.