HOARSENESS OF VOICE

Hoarseness of voice can be of multiple variety hoarse, rough, scratchy, tight, or weak. This can occur after congestion from a cold or a seasonal allergy or when voice is overused, such as when yelling at a sporting event.

In throat there is a voice box – larynx, which contain vocal cords / folds. These V-shaped, multilayered bands of muscle and mucous membrane vibrate together to produce sound. Any disease condition can interfere with the vocal cords’ ability to vibrate normally, causing change in voice.

CAUSES

● allergies
● respiratory infections
● malformations
● blockages
● lesions
● cysts
● growths
● vocal cord paralysis

DIAGNOSIS

Evaluation will include detailed history, examination – high definition digital videolaryngoscopy.

MANAGEMENT
Microsurgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove noncancerous vocal cord nodules, cysts, or polyps. While you are under general anesthesia, tiny surgical instruments are inserted through your mouth into your throat.

Vocal Cord Laser Surgery

Some types of vocal cord lesions can be removed with a laser. This procedure can be done in a doctor’s office while you are awake or in the operating room under general anesthesia. The surgeon inserts a thin scope into your nose and throat and uses laser beams to shrink the lesion

Voice therapy

Voice therapy promotes healing of your vocal cord injury and helps you avoid future injury. Our speech specialists guide children and adults through vocal exercises to improve breathing, reduce throat strain, and find optimal resonance, pitch, and volume for strong, healthy speaking.