ENT Specialists, working with highly trained speech pathologists, provide exceptional care for people with varying voice needs such as professional voice users, teachers, pediatric voice patients and singers of all skill levels. Some of the most common symptoms of our voice patients include hoarseness, chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, changes in voice quality and breathing problems known as vocal cord dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM), vocal cord dysfunction can be described as an abnormal closure of the vocal cords during the breathing cycle, particularly during inhalation. Vocal cord dysfunction is sometimes misdiagnosed as asthma. PVFM symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage PVFM effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vibrations of the vocal cords are much too rapid to be observed by the unaided eye under a constant light source.\u00a0Videostroboscopy is one of the most practical methods for\u00a0viewing and recording the motion of the vocal cords by illuminating the larynx with brief pulses of light, allowing for an accurate, detailed assessment of vocal cord movement during\u00a0speaking or singing. \u00a0A digital computer and strobe light are used to make the images of these vibrations appear in slow motion enabling detection of any abnormal patterns of vibration.\u00a0This procedure provides real-time and slow-motion video of the vocal cords in action to provide a better understanding of the functions of the vocal cords, as well as an indication of\u00a0what changes need to be made in order to treat the problem.\u00a0 Digital video recordings made before and after voice or medical treatment can be compared in order to evaluate a patient\u2019s\u00a0progress.\u00a0 A physician referral\/order from an ENT, pulmonologist or allergist is required for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to expect during the procedure\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Call Sound Health Services<\/span> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/P><\/p>\n