Voice Disorders

If your voice feels strained, hoarse, or weak — or if you’ve noticed a persistent change in how you sound — it could be a sign of a voice disorder. These changes may be temporary, or they may point to something that needs medical attention, especially if symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks.

At Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City, our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of voice disorders. Whether you’re a teacher, singer, or just someone who wants to speak clearly and confidently again, we’re here to help.

If voice changes are interfering with your work, overall health, relationships, or daily life, schedule a visit to get clarity and care you can count on.

Voice disorders can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Common symptoms include:

• Hoarseness or raspy voice that won’t go away
• Vocal fatigue or loss of voice after speaking
• Pitch changes or an unusually high or low voice
• Breathiness or a weak-sounding voice
• Pain or discomfort when speaking or singing
• Feeling like you have to strain or push to speak
• Voice that cuts in and out, especially with prolonged use

Diagnosing a voice disorder starts with listening to your concerns and reviewing your voice use and medical history. We may also recommend:

• Laryngoscopy to examine the vocal cords with a flexible camera
• Stroboscopy to assess how the vocal cords move and vibrate
• Speech or voice evaluation to understand how your voice is functioning
• Imaging or lab work if we suspect reflux, infection, or another contributing condition

Our goal is to understand the source of your symptoms so we can tailor treatment to your needs and goals.

Treatment depends on the cause of your voice disorder and how it’s affecting your daily life. Options may include:

• Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist to reduce strain and improve vocal performance
• Medications for acid reflux, inflammation, or underlying infection
• Lifestyle changes such as vocal rest or hydration strategies
• Surgery to remove vocal cord nodules, cysts, or polyps when conservative care isn’t enough
• Neurological evaluation and care for vocal cord paralysis or tremor
• Ongoing monitoring and vocal wellness support for those who rely on their voice professionally

Other treatments, such as BOTOX injections for spasmodic dysphonia, various surgical techniques, and more, may be offered, depending on your location and provider. We’ll guide you through your treatment plan with care and compassion.