Dr. J.P. Gniady, MD, FACS explains the Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment options of Hoarseness in patients.
Related Blog: Hoarseness Causes and Therapies
Hoarseness is typically a broad way people describe issues with the voice that tends to be caused by different types problems. Although the issues tend to be different, the approach taken toward identifying the problem and deciding on a treatment is relatively standard.
Diagnosis
Typically, the diagnosis is started by listening to the voice and understanding the details of the dsicomfort being felt by the patient. The causes of hoarseness are usually categorized into two different types:
- Structural Problems - Caused by problems that can often be seen visually. This can range from lumps, bumps, simple inflamation, all the way to something more serious such as a cancer.
- Functional or Neuromuscular Problems - These problems come about from issues with how the voice box is used and how the actual muscles of the vocal cords move.
Testing
Testing for patients is done via:
- Physical Exam
- Videostroboscopy
- Strobe Light
Treatment
The treatment for hoarseness is dependent on the diagnosis. Most of the time the answer is voice therapy. As a result, Silverstein works closely with speech pathology.
If you or someone you know is suffering from hoarseness visit the Silverstein Institute today.