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Have you ever been at your favorite sporting event, cheering on as loudly as possible to show your support, but the next morning you wake up with a hoarse voice or no voice at all? We have all experienced problems with our voices or times when our voice is hoarse and a sound will not come out at all. Let�s face it; your voice plays an important role in who you are and how you communicate. Just like fingerprints, each person�s voice is unique. There are many things you do that can injure your vocal cords. Talking too much; screaming with delight as you sled down a big, snowy hill; smoking; or constantly clearing your throat can cause you to lose your voice. When you lose your voice, or it becomes hoarse, it can lead to problems such as nodules, polyps and sores on your vocal cords. Treatment for voice disorders vary depending on the cause and severity, with most voice problems easily treated when diagnosed early by a professional ear, nose and throat doctor. A Closer Look at your Voice Voice is the sound that is made by vibration of the vocal cords caused by air passing through the larynx bringing the cords closer together. Your voice is an extremely important resource, with the most common use being communication. Proper care and use of your voice can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy voice for a lifetime. When there is a change in your voice, often described as hoarseness, roughness or a raspy quality, you will notice a voice problem. One of the most common causes of voice changes is sometimes followed by an upper respiratory infection that can last up to two weeks. The upper respiratory infection causes the swelling of your vocal cords, which changes the vibration and results in an abnormal voice. By reducing how often you use your voice can improve your voice after a cold or infection. If your voice does not return to its normal capabilities within two to four weeks, a medical evaluation by your ENT is recommended. Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps Caused by vocal abuse, vocal cord nodules are benign growths on both of your vocal cords. The repeated abuse of your vocal cords can result in soft, swollen spots on each of your vocal cords that develop into harder, callous-like growths called nodules. As vocal cord abuse continues, the nodules can become larger and stiffer. Symptoms of nodules and polyps cause similar symptoms, which include: • Hoarseness
• Breathiness
• A “rough” voice
• A “scratchy” voice
• Harshness
• Shooting pain from ear to ear
• A “lump in the throat” sensation
• Neck pain
• Decreased pitch range
• Voice and body fatigue
If you have experienced a hoarse voice or any of these symptoms for more than two to three weeks, you should visit your Norwalk and Westport ENT for further treatment and evaluation. Your ENT can help diagnose and treat the appropriate area and potentially prevent any further complications with your vocal cords. Take the right step in preserving your voice and visit your ear, nose and throat doctor with any vocal cord complications you may be experiencing.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Westport ENT, Dr. Andrew Parker. Dr. Parker is a board certified otolaryngologist and completed his residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, the oldest specialty hospital in the United States. Dr. Parker and his staff of licensed audiologists and a physician associate treat all Ear, Nose and Throat maladies including Westport tinnitus, tonsils and adenoids.
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