Professional Voice Care
At New York Otolaryngology Group, we specialize in treating voice problems for singers, actors, teachers, public speakers, and other voice professionals. Even minor vocal changes can impact careers, so we take a highly personalized approach. Therapy is our first line of treatment; surgery is rarely needed and must be carefully considered.
Diagnosis
We begin with a detailed voice history, head and neck exam, and videostroboscopy. We also assess hearing, nasal and sinus health, and any cough-related trauma. Collaboration with vocal coaches and speech-language pathologists ensures a complete understanding of each patient’s voice.
Factors Affecting the Voice
Vocal strain, poor technique, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use can cause problems. Environmental issues—such as allergies, mold, or poor acoustics—are also key contributors. Acid reflux is another common cause of hoarseness, particularly in performers.
Treatment
Treatment targets the root cause and may include medical management for reflux or sinus issues, voice therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Our speech-language pathologists and trusted vocal coaches help optimize technique while preserving individual vocal style. We also advocate for patients when workplace accommodations are needed.
Surgery
Surgery is reserved for cases where it is truly necessary. We use voice-preserving phonosurgery when treating benign conditions. For laryngeal cancer, we focus on voice-sparing cancer care. Thyroplasty or vocal fold injections can help with vocal cord paralysis, and pitch alteration surgery is available for patients seeking to adjust their vocal range.
