Know More About Voice and Swallowing - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

2. OUR AUDIOLOGISTS Amy Wilson, Au.D. Brad Buchholtz, AuD, CCC-A Dr. Amy Wilson is an audiologist who received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry, School of Audiology Charlotte Parker, AuD, CCC-A Danielle Wall, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA Dr. Charlotte Parker is an audiologist who received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the Montclair Dr. Danielle Wall received her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida

3. KNOW ABOUT VOCAL CORD LESIONS A reactive vocal cord lesion is a mass located opposite an existing vocal cord lesion, such as a vocal cord cyst or polyp. This type of lesion is thought to develop from trauma or repeated injury caused by the lesion on the opposite vocal cord. A reactive vocal cord lesion will usually decrease or disappear with voice rest and therapy.

4. VOCAL CORD PARESIS/PARALYSIS Hoarseness and other problems can occur related to problems between the nerves and muscles within the voice box or larynx. The most common condition is a paralysis or weakness of one or both vocal cords. Involvement of both vocal cords is rare and is usually manifested by noisy breathing or difficulty getting enough air while breathing or talking. However, one vocal cord can become paralyzed or severely weakened (paresis) after a viral infection of the throat, after surgery in the neck or cheek, or for unknown reasons.

5. PRESBYPHONIA (AGING VOICE) As part of the normal aging process, the muscles that sustain and support our vocal folds (cords), as well as the structure of the larynx (voice box), may alter and change. These changes, that can affect the way we use our voice and the way it sounds, usually occur after age 60.

6. KNOW ABOUT SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA Spasmodic dysphonia, also known as laryngeal dystonia, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms of the larynx (voice box). Spasmodic dysphonia causes the voice to break, or to have a tight, strained or strangled quality.

7. PROFESSION AL VOICE An occupational or professional voice user is anyone whose voice is essential to their job. We are all accustomed to thinking of singers, actors, actresses, and broadcast personalities as professional voice users. Indeed, special or unique qualities of the voice are often the essential feature of their careers. But what about other occupational voice users?

8. KNOW ABOUT VOCAL CORD CANCER Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of these deaths. In the United States, up to 200,000 people die each year from smoking- related illnesses. The good news is that this figure has decreased due to the increasing number of Americans who have quit smoking. The bad news is that some of these smokers switched to smokeless or spit tobacco, assuming it is a safe alternative. This is untrue.

9. KNOW ABOUT THROAT CANCER Throat cancer is a very serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. When cancer attacks the vocal cords, the voice changes in quality, assuming the characteristics of chronic hoarseness, roughness, or raspiness. These symptoms occur at an early stage in the development of the cancer. It is important to remember that prompt attention to changes in the voice facilitate early diagnosis thus early and successful treatment of vocal cord cancer can be obtained.

10. KNOW ABOUT MORE LARYNGITIS Throat cancer is a very serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. When cancer attacks the vocal cords, the voice changes in quality, assuming the characteristics of chronic hoarseness, roughness, or raspiness. These symptoms occur at an early stage in the development of the cancer. It is important to remember that prompt attention to changes in the voice facilitate early diagnosis thus early and successful treatment of vocal cord cancer can be obtained.

11. PAIN WITH SWALLOWING (ODYNOPHAGIA) The larynx has multiple functions, including voice production, cough, and airway protection. The larynx also acts as a conduit for breathing. Pathologic conditions that affect normal laryngeal function can result in poor cough production, aspiration with subsequent pneumonia, change in phonation, and dysphagia. Chondronecrosis of the larynx is a rare complication encountered in otolaryngology.

12. LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL / GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as LPR, is a condition that can occur in patients who have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Acid from the stomach rises upward, towards the esophagus, and enters the back of the throat. Patients with LPR report experiencing a bitter taste and the feeling that something is caught in the back of their throat. In some cases, LPR can cause breathing difficulties.

13. PARKINSON'S DISEASE RELATED VOICE DISORDER It has been estimated that more than 70% of patients with Parkinson’s disease experience voice and speech disorders. Some report that dysphonia, impairment in the ability to speak normally, is one of the disease’s most disruptive symptoms. People with Parkinson’s induced dysphonia are described as having a harsh, weak or breathy quality to their voices. There are, however, medical and behavioral treatments that may lead to voice improvements. Both vocal chord injections and voice therapy have shown some of the most positive results with the least amount of patient discomfort.

14. Contact Us Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat Address: 3700 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753 (732) 280-7855 (main) (732) 280-7815 Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat Address: 1301 Route 72 Unit 340 Manahawkin, NJ 08050 (609) 978-0590 (732) 280-7815 Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat Address: 100 Commons Way #210 Holmdel, NJ 07733 (732) 280-7855 (732)-280-7815 https://coastalearnoseandthroat.com/services/voice-and-swallowing/