Voice disorders can make life very difficult. Whether you’re calling a cab on a busy London street or trying to run a meeting at work, experiencing voice problems can definitely throw a kink in your day. There is some good news, though: these sorts of problems can frequently be solved by treatment from an ear nose and throat doctor or other professionals. Here are some fairly common voice disorders.
Vocal cord nodules are swellings or growths which develop on the vocal cords. These growths interfere with the normal function of the voice box, and they cause hoarseness and pain while speaking. Vocal cord nodules are most common in people who overuse their voices. Singers, politicians and teachers are all at increased risk for voice problems caused by vocal cord nodules. ENT doctors here in London can treat voice disorders like these through voice training and, when necessary, through surgery.
Vocal cord paresis is another condition which can cause voice problems. In patients with vocal cord paresis, one or both of the vocal cords becomes weak, causing hoarseness, pain and reduced speaking volume. A visit to an ear nose and throat doctor can help to correctly diagnose and treat voice problems caused by vocal cord paresis. In some cases, psychological treatment may also help.
Bogart-Bacall Syndrome is a condition named for two famous American actors. However, people living in London can definitely suffer from it too! Like many voice disorders, Bogart-Bacall Syndrome comes from misusing one’s voice. It most commonly affects people who routinely try to speak higher or lower than their natural register. ENT doctors can treat this condition by teaching improved vocal technique to their patients.
Sadly, some voice disorders are very difficult to cure. One example of this is spasmodic dysphonia. Patients suffering from spasmodic dysphonia experience involuntary spasms of the vocal cords while speaking. Scott Adams, Robert Kennedy Jr. and London native Linda Thompson all have voice problems caused by spasmodic dysphonia. Although a complete cure is difficult, ENT doctors can often help to reduce the severity of these problems.
If you suffer from voice problems, you owe it to yourself to visit an ear nose and throat doctor here in London. Your specialist will identify and diagnose your condition, and he will help you to find your way back to a healthy, painless speaking voice.
ENT London is one of UK’s leading ENT clinics, and can be contacted on 0207 580 6970.