What are Vocal Fold Nodules?
Vocal fold nodules develop due to trauma of the vocal folds. When you use your voice incorrectly over time, the vocal folds might become swollen. These swollen areas then become nodules that are sometimes called ‘soft nodules’ but as they progress they can be called ‘hard nodules’ and be harder to treat.
What are vocal fold nodules?
Vocal fold nodules develop due to trauma of the vocal folds. When you use your voice incorrectly over time, the vocal folds might become swollen. These swollen areas then become nodules that are sometimes called ‘soft nodules’ but as they progress they can be called ‘hard nodules’ and be harder to treat. They usually form a pair – opposite each other on each vocal cord. Occasionally a diagnosis of a nodule on one vocal cord is made, with only some slight swelling on the opposite vocal cord.
What causes vocal fold nodules?
Vocal fold nodules are typically caused by voice misuse. This may include shouting, screaming, singing or excessive use of voice over long periods of time.
When we use our voice ineffectively and develop habits that use too much force with our voices, this puts strain on the vocal folds. Nodules are common whose work involves using their voice for long periods of time. Typical jobs might be singers, teachers or actors. Due to the importance of communication in these jobs, a nodule affecting the voice can have a big impact on sustaining voice throughout the day. This can be very stressful when our voices are essential to our work and income.
What are the symptoms of vocal fold nodules?
You will notice voice changes such as a gradual onset of hoarseness, breathiness and an effortful voice with breaks.
When producing normal voice, the vocal folds meet fully together. When there is a nodule, this causes a gap between the vocal folds, resulting in air escape through this gap, and a subsequently breathy voice.
You may also have a lower pitch, experience throat discomfort and throat clearing. You may additionally feel some soreness in your larynx after using your voice for long periods.
How are vocal fold nodules diagnosed?
Typically an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant puts a camera up your nose, called an endoscopy, to gain a view of your vocal folds. They will inform you of your diagnosis in this examination.
Can vocal fold nodules go away on their own?
In the acute stages, vocal nodules may resolve with voice rest alone. However, if it is due to repetitive vocal misuse, then Voice Therapy treatment will be required. Voice Therapy is first choice rather than surgery. If surgery is required, Voice Therapy following surgery to prevent reoccurrance is recommended. Online Voice Therapy for Voice is effective for treating nodules.
Can I have Voice Therapy with the NHS?
The ENT consultant will often refer you to a NHS Voice Therapist. We see people who have seen an ENT consultant privately due to a long NHS wait, or those that are waiting for an NHS appointment but are keen to get started due to the impact on their income.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
In most cases, Muscle Tension Dysphonia produces vocal symptoms without any actual physical damage. However, if the voice continues to be used ineffectively, it can cause changes to the vocal folds. Voice Therapy is an effective treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a change in the sound of your voice due to excessive muscle tension in and around the larynx (voice box). Muscle Tension Dysphonia produces vocal symptoms without any physical damage. Commonly, people will have had their Larynx examined by a Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and have been told that there is no observable physical damage.
Muscle tension dysphonia may be caused by longterm ineffective voice use, voice overuse, irritants (such as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) , infection or emotional stress. While the initial cause may go away, the voice changes remain because of the ineffective habitual voice use.
What are the symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia?
The most common symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia include:
Voice that sounds hoarse or strained
Voice becomes weaker and more effort the longer your voice is used.
Difficulty singing notes that used to be easy.
Pain or tension in your throat
Feeling like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.
How is muscle tension dysphonia diagnosed?
Typically, if you are experiencing voice difficulties, your GP will refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) for an assessment of your voice. Muscle Tension Dysphonia is diagnosed through the evaluation of your larynx using a camera in your nose to view your vocal folds.
What is the Treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
The treatment for muscle tension dysphonia is voice therapy to reduce muscle tension and focus on effective voice use. You are likely to require 6-8 sessions of voice therapy to improve your voice.
What does voice therapy involve?
Voice therapy involves
Bespoke voice exercises
Exercises to reduce laryngeal tension
Improving breath support for speech
Reducing harmful behaviours
Increase vocal stamina
Improving pitch and volume
Improving voice amplification
How long does it take for Muscle Tension Dysphonia to go away?
Most people require 6-8 sessions that they typically book weekly. It is very important that you follow the advice and complete the exercises given by the Voice Therapist outside of sessions to assist in your recovery from Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
What is a vocal fold paralysis?
Frequently asked questions about vocal fold palsy
What is a vocal cord paralysis?
A vocal fold palsy or vocal fold paralysis is when one or both of the vocal folds do not open or close properly. In most cases, only one vocal fold is affected. Paralysis of both vocal folds is a rare and serious condition.
The vocal folds are two elastic bands of muscle tissue located in the voice box directly above the windpipe. When you use your voice, air from the lungs causes your vocal folds to vibrate between open and closed positions. If you have a vocal fold paralysis, the paralysed fold may remain open. The voice then becomes weak and breathy.
What causes a vocal fold paralysis?
The most common cause is a viral infection. It can be as a result of nerve damage due to surgery, injury or certain cancers. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease of multiple sclerosis can also lead to a vocal fold paralysis.
What are the symptoms of vocal fold paralysis?
Symptoms of a vocal fold paralysis are changes to a person’s voice. A breathy, hoarse or weak voice is common. Some people report difficulties swallowing and a swallowing assessment may be required by a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Dysphagia. Sometimes people become more breathless with exercise or find it hard to life heavy items.
Can vocal fold paralysis be cured?
Typically, damage is temporary and will improve over several weeks. However, the majority of people will require Voice Therapy by an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to improve their voice. Treatment is available via the NHS for free. We often treat people when there is no voice therapist available or they are waiting for NHS therapy. Online Speech Therapy for Voice is effective.
Our Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.