Voice Disorders Download PDF, 1.24MB, PDF What is a Voice Disorder?A voice disorder refers to an abnormal production and/or changes in pitch, quality and volume of a person’s voice. SymptomsHoarsenessStrained voiceLack of smoothness – voice cracks when speakingIncreased effort to speakWeak voice – loss of power or volumeChange of pitch – higher or lower than beforeTiredness in throat when talkingTightness or soreness in throatCauses of Voice DisordersVoice misuse/ overuse – e.g. shouting, straining while singing, constant throat clearingUpper respiratory tract infection resulting in acute laryngitis Inflammation from refluxGrowth on the vocal cords – e.g. polyps, nodules, cysts, papillomas, cancers Aging of the vocal folds Vocal fold paralysisTension of the muscles around the voice boxNeurological conditions – e.g. Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremors, myasthenia gravis Traumatic injury – e.g. laryngeal fractures, cricoarythenoid dislocation/ subluxationPsychiatric conditions – e.g. anxiety, depression, conversion reaction, personality disorders When Should I See an ENT Doctor?Consult an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor when your voice problem is associated with: Pain on speaking, eating, swallowing Coughing up bloodDifficulty swallowingNeck swelling/ growthDifficulty breathingLoss of appetite/ weight - Affects your daily communication and functioning - Lasts more than two weeksHow is the Examination Done?The procedure is done in the clinic and takes about five minutes to complete. It is generally well tolerated by the majority of patients.A topical anaesthetic spray will be applied to numb your throat. Your ENT doctor will pass a scope through your nose or mouth to examine your voice box.You will be asked to say some sounds while the doctor examines.How are Voice Disorders Treated?You will be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of a Speech Therapist and ENT doctor in the Voice Clinic. Treatment is individualised. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include voice therapy, medications and/or surgery. Voice TherapyVoice therapy helps to identify the vocal patterns that are causing your problems, and teaches you better ways of using your voice. You will have to attend several sessions of therapy and be expected to practise the exercises and techniques taught. MedicationsMedications may be given to treat underlying medical issues which contribute to the voice problem. For example, you may be given medication to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux or post-nasal drip. Those medical conditions causes you to cough constantly, making your vocal folds swollen. SurgerySurgery is necessary in selected cases. For example, to do biopsy for diagnostic purposes, removal of growths or to correct vocal fold paralysis. Your ENT doctor will discuss the details with you at the appropriate time.
