Voice Disorders – The Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Human being is a social animal and the ability of expression plays a vital role in order to thrive individually in any society. As individuals, we need to express what we feel or need and it makes our daily living more convenient. However, voice disorders may get in your way for various reasons, obstructing the quality of living.

Voice is nothing but the air vibrations made by the vocal cords when the air is forced to pass through the larynx. Issues with voice, tone, pitch, word-flow and rate of speech, and different other issues with vocal cords are considered as voice disorders. In simple terms, anything that interferes with your vocal cords can cause voice disorders. Continue reading the blog to know more about different types of voice disorders, what causes them, the symptoms and the treatment methods.

Here are the major voice disorders: 

• Vocal cord paralysis - Vocal cords can be partially or fully paralysed due to a stroke or any other severe shock that damages the vocal cord nerves. If one or both vocal cords are damaged fully, the person will experience difficulty in breathing and speaking. Partial damage may result in weak and breathy voice. Sometimes, partial damage will be cured on its own however it always advisable to undergo the diagnosis by an expert ENT specialist for better results. 
• Laryngitis - This is a condition where the larynx swells due to some external health condition that includes chronic cough, asthma and even due to cold. In chronic laryngitis condition, the swell lasts for a longer period, making it difficult for the person to talk. 
• Spasmodic dysphonia - The vocal cords get spasm due to the nerved issue, making the person sound quivery, weak and talk in a breathy voice.

The Reasons Behind Voice Disorders - 

Anything that gets in the way of air and vocal cords can be a potential threat for voice disorders. Here are a few possible causes for voice disorders. 

• Nerve problems - In most cases, nerve damage can lead to voice disorders. The nerve damage can happen due to stroke, surgeries or chronic health condition conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and myasthenia gravis. 
• External growth affecting the structure of vocal cords - The formation of additional tissue in the throat region can affect the structure of vocal cords leading voice disorders. The growths include cysts, warts and fluid-filled sacs can contribute to voice disorders. 
• Excessive vocal cord abuse - Abusing the vocal cords excessively and long-term stress on them can damage the structure of vocal cords leading to voice disorders.

When You Should See the ENT Specialist -

It is advisable to consult the throat specialist if you observe quivering sound, breathy voice, weak sound and irregular pitch in voice. The doctor may conduct the diagnostic procedures based on the severity of the symptoms.

Diagnosis for Voice Disorders - 

Otolaryngologists, popularly known as ENT specialists, use various diagnostic methods to determine the type and treatment for the voice disorder. They may use equipment such as laryngoscopy that allows the specialist to have a clear look at the larynx. Apart from that laryngeal EMG, stroboscopy and imaging tests are conducted based on the necessity.

Treatment for Voice Disorders - 

Early recognition of voice disorders can improve the chances of a cure. Typically, doctors follow speech therapy techniques, working in association with speech pathologists. This may work for the people who are experiencing voice disorders in the initial days. For the issues that are advanced may require treatment that includes medicines, injections and even surgery.

Talking about surgeries, throat surgeons in India are gaining popularity world-wide. The hospitals too are housing the advanced equipment for a world-class ENT care. With little research and time, you could find the best ENT specialty clinic in your locality. Reach out to the ENT specialists as early as possible to find the right solutions for your all voice disorders.