When the voice is affected, even the simplest spoken communication may become challenging. The Voice Center offers the latest in surgical and voice therapy techniques for all conditions that affect the voice.
The Voice Center at Ohio ENT offers high quality diagnostic testing via videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS).
- Rigid stroboscopic endoscope considered "gold standard" for assessing the vocal folds
- "Chip-tip" flexible stroboscopic endoscope offers the highest degree of detailed laryngeal magnification within this class of medical instruments
VLS evaluates the following complaints: voice problems, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, mucus in the throat, sensation of lump/cotton in the throat or shortness of breath unrelated to asthma (assessment for possible Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement PVFM or Vocal Cord Dysfunction VCD).
It works by taking magnified pictures of your larynx. Your vocal cords are able to be observed in simulated slow motion as you voice. Depending on your complaint, the procedure is either done through the mouth or nose. The actual test itself takes 1-2 minutes, and is typically tolerated with minimum discomfort. Topical anesthetic spray may be applied if needed.
Additional treatment and therapies Include:
Voice therapy: To address vocal fold lesions, atrophy, muscle tension and other functional voice disorders
Laryngeal control therapy: To address vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)/Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVMF), chronic cough
Pre/post operative care and rehabilitation of the voice
Other services:
FEES (flexible endoscopic evaluation of the swallow) for dysphagia complaints
Accent modification
Complaints assessed include:
Vocal complaints -Raspy or breathy vocal quality
-Strained or painful speech
-Change in pitch or volume
-Loss of voice
-Impairment in singing voice
-Reduced endurance/inconsistent quality
Reflux changes or complaints (new or unresponsive to PPI therapy)
-Globus sensation
-Intermittent hoarseness
-Post-nasal drip
-Difficulty or change in the swallow
-Chronic cough
-Chronic throat clearing
Complaints involving dyspnea/inability to "get a deep breath" -SOB not controlled by inhalers
-Constriction in throat/pressure in chest
-"Can't get a full/deep breath"
-Noise with inhalation
-Normal Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
-Triggers may include: exercise, airborne irritants, stress/anxiety or be unknown
The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends laryngeal examination for any vocal complaint lasting more than 2 weeks
