Treatment for Voice and Larynx Disorders
We Offer Voice Disorder Treatments in Burbank, CA
Your voice is an important part of who you are. But what happens when it doesn’t work the way it should? Voice and larynx disorders can make speaking difficult or painful, but help is available. The SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers clinic in Burbank, CA, offers complete care for people with voice and larynx problems. Our team of doctors knows how to find and treat many types of disorders to help our patients restore their voice and confidence.
What Are Voice and Larynx Disorders?
Voice disorders happen when your voice sounds different than normal or when it hurts to talk. A voice disorder means something is wrong with how your vocal cords work. This can make your voice sound hoarse, scratchy, or weak. Some people with voice disorders lose their voice completely. Others might feel pain when they try to talk.
Your larynx, also called the voice box, sits in your throat and holds your vocal cords, which vibrate to make sound when you speak. But the larynx does more than help you speak. It also helps you breathe and swallow safely. These basic functions can become difficult when you have a disorder of the larynx.
What Causes Voice Disorders?
Many things can cause voice problems. Some people are born with conditions that affect their voice, while others develop problems later in life. We typically look for the following voice disorder causes in our patients:
- Using your voice too much or in the wrong way
- Smoking or breathing in harmful chemicals
- Acid reflux that damages the vocal cords
- Infections that cause swelling
- Injuries to the throat or neck
- Growths on the vocal cords
- Nerve problems that affect muscle movement
- Getting older, which can change how the vocal cords work
Common Voice and Larynx Disorder Types
There are many different types of voice disorders, each one affecting the voice in its own way:
- Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps – These are small growths on the vocal cords. They often happen when people use their voice too much or too loudly.
- Laryngitis – This means the vocal cords are swollen and irritated. It can be caused by infections, overuse, or breathing in irritating substances.
- Vocal Cord Paralysis – This happens when the nerves that control the vocal cords don’t work or move properly.
- Spasmodic Dysphonia – This condition causes the vocal cord muscles to squeeze too tightly, making the voice sound strained or shaky.
- Voice Changes From Age – As people get older, their vocal cords can become thinner and less flexible, changing how the voice sounds.
How Are Voice and Larynx Disorders Diagnosed?
Finding out what’s wrong with your voice starts with a visit to our specialists. We’ll ask about your symptoms and when they started. Our probe will include questions about your job, hobbies, and daily activities.
Next comes a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your throat and neck. We might also use a small camera called a laryngoscope to see your vocal cords up close. This won’t hurt, but it may feel slightly uncomfortable.
Sometimes, we’ll need to perform more tests to understand exactly what’s causing your voice problems. These tests may include:
- Voice recordings to study how your voice sounds
- Breathing tests to check how well your lungs work
- Swallowing tests if you have trouble eating or drinking
Larynx and Voice Disorder Treatment Options
Treatment for voice disorders depends on the problem’s cause. Many people get better without surgery, with treatments such as:
- Voice Therapy – This is like physical therapy for your voice. A speech therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your voice and show you better ways to use it so you don’t hurt it.
- Medicine – Some voice problems get better with medication. For example, if acid reflux is hurting your vocal cords, medicine to reduce stomach acid can help.
- Lifestyle Changes – Simple changes can make a big difference. Drinking more water, avoiding smoking, and resting your voice when it’s tired all help with healing.
- Injections – Doctors may be able to inject medicines directly into the vocal cords to help them work better.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Disorders of the Voice and Larynx?
Surgery isn’t necessary for most voice problems, but sometimes it’s the best way to help someone feel better. We might suggest surgery if:
- There are growths on the vocal cords that won’t go away
- The vocal cords are paralyzed
- There’s cancer in the larynx
- The voice problem is severe and other treatments haven’t worked
Our surgeons use specialized techniques aimed at treating the issue while minimizing risk to surrounding tissues. Most voice surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure, which means you go home the same day. As with any procedure, individual outcomes may vary.
Contact Us to Get Your Voice Back
Voice and larynx disorders can be frustrating, but many conditions can be improved with treatment. SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offer comprehensive care at our state-of-the-art clinic in Burbank to help you explore options for improving or managing your voice disorder. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.