Disorders of the Voice
Established in 1992, the Laboratory has amassed one of the world’s largest medical databases for voice, with over 12,000 cases. It is a vast resource of knowledge and experience the staff consults when diagnosing problems and planning treatment.
The Laboratory treats both adults and children voice-related problems, related to a wide range of causes, including but not limited to:
- Neurological disorders, including nerve damage, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's
- Non-neurological disorders including trauma to the larynx and cancer
- Vocal hyperfunction – problems caused in the course of using the voice
Symptoms generally include hoarseness, a weak or “breathy” voice, difficulty projecting, voice loss and when the voice is easily fatigued – deteriorating rapidly with use. Such symptoms manifest themselves through a range of specific voice disorders, including:
- Irritable larynx syndrome
- Chronic cough
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Stridor – airway narrowing
- Lesions, cyst and nodules
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Spasmodic dysphonia
- Laryngospasm
