Vocal fold misuse and abuse can cause a variety of problems beyond hoarseness. In cases of muscle tension dysphonia (hoarse voice), excessive tension in and around the muscles of the larynx leads to an abnormal voice. Prolonged phonotrauma can cause swelling of the vocal folds or development of vocal fold nodules, vocal fold polyps or vocal fold cysts (benign masses of the larynx). Screaming or other extreme vocal activity may even cause a hemorrhage of the vocal folds.
Contributing factors that can result in hoarseness and related conditions include:
Symptoms that may indicate you suffer from vocal fold misuse or vocal fold abuse include:
Our team will discuss your symptoms and medical history. We will perform a thorough head and neck examination. Our evaluation team often involves several members of the Emory Voice Center. We will assess vocal quality, efficiency, and proper speaking technique.
We may complete a laryngeal videostroboscopy. In this minimally invasive procedure, we use an endoscope (a small tube equipped with a fiber optic camera). A stroboscopic light source lets us check laryngeal function and vibration.
Voice misuse syndromes occur often. We can almost always treat them with voice therapy and without operating.
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