Voice/ Throat Evaluation Specialist

What is a throat and voice evaluation?

A voice and throat evaluation is an office visit that uses special diagnostic examinations to determine the underlying cause of problems affecting your voice or your ability to swallow properly. Some common causes of voice and throat problems include the presence of lesions like cysts, tumors or polyps on the vocal cords, partial paralysis of the vocal cords, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammation, abnormal blood vessel growth or spasms.

What happens during a vocal cord examination?

Vocal cord examinations are typically performed using a procedure called a laryngoscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a flexible scope, called a laryngoscope, to look at your throat and your vocal cords. The scope uses a light and a camera to take images of your vocal cords to look for growths or other issues that could be impairing your voice. Prior to a laryngoscopy, your throat and vocal cords may also be evaluated using a tiny mirror to see down your throat. Depending on the issue you're experiencing, other techniques may be used to measure the electrical impulses that control your voice box movements or to measure irregularities in the sounds the voice box produces.

What is an adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is a procedure used to remove the adenoids, small, fleshy lymphatic structures located at the back of the nasal passages. The procedure is performed to address issues with breathing, including sleep apnea and mouth breathing, as well as chronic middle ear infections and chronic sinus infections.

What if a polyp is found on my vocal cords?

When large polyps interfere with your voice or with swallowing, they can be removed in a minimally-invasive procedure using special instruments designed to function through small incisions or directly through your nose and throat without incisions.