Professional Voice Care
At New York Otolaryngology Group, we specialize in treating voice problems for singers, actors, teachers, public speakers, and other voice professionals. Even minor vocal changes can impact careers, so we take a highly personalized approach. Therapy is our first line of treatment; surgery is rarely needed and must be carefully considered.
Diagnosis
We begin with a detailed voice history, head and neck exam, and videostroboscopy. We also assess hearing, nasal and sinus health, and any cough-related trauma. Collaboration with vocal coaches and speech-language pathologists ensures a complete understanding of each patient’s voice.
Factors Affecting the Voice
Vocal strain, poor technique, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use can cause problems. Environmental issues—such as allergies, mold, or poor acoustics—are also key contributors. Acid reflux is another common cause of hoarseness, particularly in performers.
Treatment
Treatment targets the root cause and may include medical management for reflux or sinus issues, voice therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Our speech-language pathologists and trusted vocal coaches help optimize technique while preserving individual vocal style. We also advocate for patients when workplace accommodations are needed.
Surgery
Surgery is reserved for cases where it is truly necessary. We use voice-preserving phonosurgery when treating benign conditions. For laryngeal cancer, we focus on voice-sparing cancer care. Thyroplasty or vocal fold injections can help with vocal cord paralysis, and pitch alteration surgery is available for patients seeking to adjust their vocal range.
Frequently Asked Questions
The diagnosis process includes a detailed voice history, head and neck examination, and videostroboscopy. Additionally, the assessment covers hearing, nasal and sinus health, and any cough-related trauma. Collaboration with vocal coaches and speech-language pathologists ensures a thorough understanding of each patient's voice condition.
Common factors affecting the voice include vocal strain, poor vocal technique, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use, and environmental issues like allergies, mold, and poor acoustics. Acid reflux is also identified as a frequent cause of hoarseness, especially in performers.
The primary approach is voice therapy and medical management targeting the root cause, such as treating reflux or sinus issues. Lifestyle adjustments are also recommended. Surgery is rarely needed and considered only when absolutely necessary.
Surgery is reserved for cases where it is truly necessary. Voice-preserving phonosurgery is used for benign conditions, while voice-sparing cancer care is applied for laryngeal cancer. Procedures like thyroplasty, vocal fold injections, and pitch alteration surgery are used for vocal cord paralysis and vocal range adjustments, respectively.
The clinic collaborates with speech-language pathologists and trusted vocal coaches who help optimize vocal technique while preserving each patient's unique vocal style. They also advocate for workplace accommodations when needed to support vocal health.
Lifestyle adjustments may include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, managing environmental factors like allergies and mold, and addressing acid reflux. These changes can help reduce vocal strain and improve overall voice quality.