Audrey Walstrom, DMA, MA, CCC-SLP, a clinical singing voice specialist & speech-language pathologist and also a Senior Clinician at Duke Health, provided information about vocal cord injuries, symptoms and treatment options after celebrities like Adele, John Mayer, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and many others experienced vocal cord injuries.
Understanding Vocal Cord Injuries
Vocal cord injuries can result from various causes, including excessive use and wear and tear on the vocal cords, much like how athletes can get injured during sports. It's not just famous singers who are at risk; professions involving extensive speaking, such as teaching, real estate, call center work, law, and preaching, can also contribute to vocal problems. Additionally, illnesses, surgical procedures, infections, and even certain medical conditions can lead to vocal cord injuries, with cancer being a rare but serious possibility.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Treatment
The most noticeable symptom of a vocal cord injury is a hoarse voice, which can be accompanied by voice fatigue, limitations in vocal range, voice breaking or cracking, changes in vocal quality, projection difficulties, increased warm-up time, and even pain with voice use. It's crucial not to ignore these signs, and medical advice should be sought if a change in voice quality persists for more than two weeks. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, vocal cord injuries can range from nodules and polyps to internal bleeding, with the potential for permanent damage if left untreated.
Care at Duke and Scheduling an Appointment
Duke Voice Care Center offers specialized care for vocal cord injuries through a team of experts, including laryngologists (ENT specialists with voice and upper airway training) and speech-language pathologists with expertise in voice disorders. Our comprehensive approach typically involves voice therapy, which includes vocal hygiene and pacing, environmental optimization, exercises to reduce muscle tension, and training for efficient voice use. Medication or surgery may be necessary in some cases.
To schedule an appointment at Duke, you can call our ENT scheduling Hub at 919-684-3834. Remember that most voice problems can be prevented or managed effectively with the guidance of a qualified voice physician and therapist.