The normal functions of voice and swallow are often taken for granted until a problem arises. This can have a severe impact upon our ability to communicate and our quality of life.
Voice problems are more common in professional voice users such as teachers, gym instructors and anyone who relies heavily upon their voice for work. Short term changes in the voice are most often related to inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis). If voice change persists beyond two weeks it may be a sign of a more serious problem with the voice box and should be evaluated by an ENT surgeon.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can be a serious disability and impact upon a person’s normal functioning. It can not only lead to malnutrition but can also cause social embarrassment due to inability to share meals with other people. Swallowing problems can arise in the throat or lower down in the food pipe (oesophagus).
Our doctors are some of the very few in Australia with International subspecialty training in the field of Laryngology with a focus on accurate diagnosis and treatment of throat problems affecting the normal functions of voice, breathing and swallowing. We have advanced diagnostic capabilities with the availability of specialised equipment including Laryngeal stroboscopy, optical imaging andelectrophysiological and aerodynamic testing of laryngeal function via our state of the art VoiceLaboratory in order to provide patients with the most accurate diagnosis.
We offer the latest, cutting edge treatments for laryngeal voice, breathing and swallow problems including minimally invasive and office based treatments such as injection laryngoplasty and office based laser treatments for vocal cord lesions.
As international leaders in the field of Laryngology, our doctors and speech pathologists will be able to offer you the latest, best available and scientifically proven treatments to ensure a rapid return to normal function.
Common laryngeal problems for which we offer specialised treatment include:
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Vocal Nodules
- Vocal cord cysts and polyps
- Spasmodic dysphonia
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Pharyngeal pouch or Zenker’s diverticulum
- Difficulties with singing voice
- Professional voice assessment
- Healthy Voice Check for performers