Voice Disorder Treatment Services in Birmingham, AL
If you’ve been experiencing persistent hoarseness, vocal strain, or even difficulty swallowing, ExcelENT of Alabama has the specialized voice care you seek.
Led by otolaryngologist Dr. Christopher Davis and speech-language pathologists Amy Pittman and Janice Sullivan-Stoll, our team offers a comprehensive approach to voice disorder treatment at our Birmingham office. Voice problems can have a significant impact on your daily life, and we are committed to you achieving a healthy, functional voice.
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What Are Voice Disorders?
Have you ever noticed your voice sounding different? Maybe it’s a persistent hoarseness that lingers after a cold or a tightness in your throat that makes speaking feel strained. These changes could be signs of a voice disorder.
Voice disorders affect how your voice sounds, feels, or functions, impacting its quality, pitch, or volume. These conditions can make communication difficult, frustrating, and, in some cases, even painful.
Specialized Voice Disorder Treatment Options
At ExcelENT, we’re well-versed in the different types of voice disorders, their causes, and how to treat them effectively. We recognize that your voice and the symptoms you are experiencing are unique. Our team will identify the root cause of your voice problem and develop a personalized treatment plan that ensures you regain function through the following voice treatment options.
We Also Treat Swallowing & Upper Airway Disorders
Voice problems can sometimes go hand-in-hand with other issues like difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or obstructions in your upper airway. The good news is that ExcelENT is also equipped to address these concerns. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with swallowing, breathing difficulties, or a combination of both, we can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan that gets you back to feeling your absolute best.
Reach out to our team today and schedule a voice care consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Voice & Swallowing Disorder Treatment FAQs
There are several voice disorders, each with its own cause and symptoms. Some common ones include:
- Vocal fold abnormalities: This can include growths like nodules or polyps on the vocal folds, which can make them vibrate irregularly and lead to hoarseness or breathiness.
- Muscle tension dysphonia: This is caused by overuse or misuse of the vocal muscles, leading to strain and fatigue. Symptoms can include hoarseness, vocal fatigue, and pain when speaking.
- Vocal fold paralysis: When the nerves that control the vocal folds are damaged, it can cause them not to move properly. This can lead to breathiness, weakness, or complete loss of voice.
- Reflux: Stomach acid backing up into the throat can irritate the vocal folds and cause hoarseness, burning, or a chronic cough.
If you’re experiencing any changes in your voice, we encourage you to reach out to ExcelENT today to schedule a voice care consultation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term problems and improve voice function.
Voice disorders and swallowing problems (dysphagia) can sometimes occur together. This is because the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing are also involved in speaking. If you experience hoarseness or vocal strain and difficulty swallowing, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent voice disorders, practicing healthy habits can significantly reduce risk. This includes staying hydrated, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding irritants like yelling and smoking. Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water also helps keep your vocal folds healthy and functioning at their best.