SouthEastern  VOICE DISORDERS CENTER A Division of South Atlanta E.N.T., P.C.

Learn more about voice and swallowing disorders 

Michael Neuenschwander, MD Board Certified with the  American Board of Otolaryngology

• Who is affected by voice disorders?
• What are common symptoms?
• Why a voice care team?
• What is a voice evaluation?
• What is Videostroboscopy?
• How is it performed?
• Which disorders are treated?

There are many patients each year that are affected by voice or swallowing problems. They vary from minor annoyances to major health risks. Indeed, this is a dynamic and exciting field within the specialty of otolarnyngology.

Who is affected by voice disorders?
Almost anyone. Professional voice users such as lawyers, priests, receptionists, singers, or anyone whose career depends on their voice are especially vulnerable. Children can also be affected by a variety of problems.

What are common symptoms?
Common symptoms of voice and swallowing problems are hoarseness, loss of voice, throat clearing, voice fatigue, loss of pitch, neck muscle strain, breathiness, trouble swallowing, regurgitation, cough, indigestion, and throat mucous.

Why a voice care team?
A comprehensive voice evaluation by a physician and voice therapist is often necessary for voice disorders. They are specially trained to analyze and treat a variety of medical, functional, and emotional factors that are associated with voice disorders. It may also be necessary to be evaluated by a gastroenterologyist, neurologist, psychiatrist, and others. Voice disorders can be very personal and are best managed by a skilled team. 

What is a voice evaluation?
A voice evaluation involves a complete exam by a physician including the ears, nose, throat, neck, and larynx (voice box).  In addition, videostroboscopy, acoustic measures of voice, and an evaluation of breathing, resonance, and even singing may be performed.  A voice and swallowing therapist may also evaluate the voice and swallowing mechanisms.

What is Videostroboscopy?
Videostroboscopy is one of the most modern and practice technique of evaluating the vocal folds. It allows the voice team to easily examine the vibration of the vocal folds during speaking or singing.  Visual images of vibration appear to be seen in slow motion and are recorded digitally.  Thus, minute abnormalities which can influence the voice can be seen.  A more accurate diagnosis can be made and better quality can be provided.



How is it performed?
The procedure is performed by the physician in the voice lab.  Your throat or nose is numbed and a rigid or flexible scope is then passed to illuminate the voice box.  As you are asked to make various sounds, a live picture of the motion and anatomy of your vocal folds is taken digitally and displayed on a monitor.  Later, the findings and treatment plan are reviewed with you and the voice therapist.  The exam is simple and not painful, although at times you may feel like you want to swallow or gag.  Most people tolerate it quite well.

Which disorders are treated?

• Laryngitis and acid reflux disease
• Vocal fold paralysis
• Vocal fold nodules, cysts, polyps
• Muscle tension dysphonia
• Age-related atrophy
• Vocal fold scar
• Laryngeal cancer and tumors
• Dysphagia
• Aspiration
• and many others.