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Voice Disorder Conditions

Voice Conditions

At Emory Voice Center, we focus on laryngeal disorders. This includes voice disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), dysphonia (hoarse voice), and tumors of the larynx. Vocal disorders can arise from vocal fold misuse, vocal fold abuse, or from other causes. Our expertise and focus on the voice and upper airway ensure you have access to the best care and most recent techniques.

Vocal Disorders We Treat

Benign & Malignant Laryngeal Tumors

Laryngeal papillomatosis is a common benign laryngeal tumor caused by HPV. A variety of malignant tumors can also arise in the larynx.

Chronic Cough

Chronic cough is a cough that lasts for 8 weeks or longer. This cough is often dry and unproductive and can occur in episodes throughout the day. It has often not responded to typical medical treatments.

Gender Affirming Voice Care

Our team is trained and experienced in both surgical and non-surgical (voice therapy) means of aligning your voice with your gender.

Laryngeal Dystonia

Laryngeal Dystonia is a form of dystonia. It produces involuntary spasms of the vocal folds, causing disordered speech.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when irritating acidic juices back up from the stomach into the throat. This type of reflux can cause problems in the larynx (voice box) or the pharynx (back of throat).

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is caused by muscles in and around the larynx (voice box) that are overactive. MTD can cause hoarseness, decreased vocal flexibility, increased vocal fatigue and more.

Swallowing Disorders

The clinical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. Several disorders cause dysphagia: neurologic conditions (such as stroke), scar tissue, muscle spasm, esophageal or laryngeal reflux (GERD or LPR), autoimmune disorders and trauma or injury.

Upper Airway Disorders

Airway stenosis (abnormal narrowing) can involve many anatomic locations. Most of the issues we see involve stenosis of the larynx or the upper trachea.

Voice Disorders Across Lifespan

Our voices change throughout our lives. Sometimes the changes are due to medical concerns such as papilloma, nodules, or movement disorders. They can also be the result of inefficient behavioral patterns in how we use our voices.

Vocal Fold Bowing

The vocal folds are inside the voice box. They open for breathing, come together during swallowing and vibrate as air passes between them during speaking or singing. When one or both of the vocal folds become atrophied or weak, a gap forms between the vocal folds.

Vocal Fold Nodules, Polyps & Cysts

Vocal fold nodules are benign masses or lumps that form on both vocal folds and can impair vocal fold vibration and cause vocal difficulties. Vocal fold polyps are generally softer masses. Vocal fold cysts are masses located deep in the surface of the vocal fold.

Vocal Fold Paralysis

Vocal fold paralysis is an inability to move the muscles of the vocal cords. Paralysis of one vocal fold can impair voice and sometimes swallowing. Paralysis of both vocal folds can compromise the airway and breathing.

Vocal Fold Phonotrauma

Phonotrauma occurs from excessive vocal fold contact during voicing. Phonotraumatic behaviors can include yelling, talking over background noise, singing, or speaking with excess strain. These behaviors can cause damage to the vocal folds.

Vocal Fold Scarring

Vocal fold scarring results in fibrous tissue replacing normal tissue. This reduces the vibration of the vocal folds that allows for a clear voice.