Dr Manish Prakash ENT
VOICE CLINIC
Our voice is the means of expressing ourselves to the world. We must take utmost care of it.
At Mayom hospital, our state-of-art Voice Clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of various voice disorders. It is a unique clinic that focuses on voice related impairments. We are equipped with the latest instruments for timely diagnosis and management of multiple laryngeal diseases. At the Voice Clinic, we have experienced professionals for the management and treatment of patients suffering from vocal cord diseases.
Some of the commonly treated ailments include :
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords)
• Vocal Cord Immobility (Vocal Cord Paralysis)
• Chronic Cough
• Phonotrauma (Cysts, Polyps, and Nodules of the vocal cords)
• Laryngotracheal Stenosis (blockage in the airway path)
• Muscle tension dysphonia (spasms in the neck muscles)
• Presbylaryngis (Age-related vocal cord atrophy/degeneration)
• Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (viral infection causing respiratory problems)
• Vocal cord cancer
• Neurological voice disorders
• Spasmodic dysphonia (spasms in the laryngeal muscles)
You should visit the Voice Clinic if-
• You use your voice extensively or strenuously.
• You are a professional voice user such as singers, teachers or public orators.
• You feel your voice is limited.
• You have recurrent throat irritation and need to clear the throat often.
• There is abnormal, poor quality sound or change in your voice.
• You feel that your voice is fatigued, weak or breathy.
• You feel pain in the throat while speaking.
• Your voice does not match your identity/ gender.
• You have been a chronic smoker or tobacco chewer
• You get spasms in your throat.
• You have choking sensation while talking/ eating/ breathing.
What to expect at the Voice Clinic?
In the Voice Clinic, our multidisciplinary team of experts comprise of specialised laryngologists, trained speech language pathologists and expert vocal coaches who work together closely to optimize voice function tailored to the patient’s particular needs. Comprehensive evaluation of vocal function is performed using flexible white-light laryngoscopy, video-stroboscopy, computerized voice quality analysis and advanced narrow-band imaging. Videostroboscopy tests the motion and pliability of the vocal folds during voice production. After a profile of the patient’s laryngeal and phonatory function is developed, a detailed management plan is developed, which may include voice therapy, surgery, or a variety of in-office or operating-room procedures to improve the voice. These services are integrated with our surgery and oncology practices so that each patient receives continuous support and individualized rehabilitative programs.
What is voice rehabilitation?
In the voice clinic, we often come across patients with laryngeal cancers who are treated surgically by removing a part of the larynx (partial laryngectomy) or the entire voice box (total laryngectomy). Thereafter, in order to restore their voice function, our team of experts work together to evaluate for the most suitable communication method for the patient and placement of voice prostheses. We also provide education and training in
• Electrolaryngeal, tracheoesophageal, or esophageal voice
• Self-placement of voice prostheses
• Hands-free voice device
• Stoma care and maintenance
• Rehabilitation of cognitive-communication disorders
At Mayom Hospital Voice clinic, our focus is
• To evaluate and treat voice disorders
• Research all aspects of voice use
• Educate and create awareness about voice care
• Provide full range of voice care and voice rehabilitation services
• Specialize in treating professional voice users like singers, actors, teachers.
Voice Care tips
DOs-
1. Give your voice adequate rest and take frequent vocal naps.
2. Exercise regularly to improve your breathing, tone and posture.
3. Stay hydrated. Drink minimum 8 glasses of water every day.
4. Consider voice therapy or seek help from your laryngologist/ ENT specialist when needed.
DONTs-
1. Do not overuse your voice.
2. Avoid screaming or whispering.
3. Avoid eating very spicy, oily foods.
4. Avoid excessive caffeinated beverages. Avoid smoking.