Charlton Ear, Nose and Throat Associates

Voice, Speech and Swallowing

 

Problems related to the larynx such as voice and swallowing disorders can be dismissed as secondary or unimportant, but at Methodist Charlton ENT Associates we know they can be bothersome and even frightening. We take your questions and concerns about your voice, as well as the effect it can have on your life, seriously.

 

Voice Disorders

Your voice is an important instrument for daily life. When something happens to your voice, it is definitely a cause for concern. At Methodist Charlton ENT Associates our specialist is experienced with diagnosing and treating patients with voice disorders.

 

Our ENT physician will perform an evaluation to find out the underlying cause of your voice disorder. The staff will conduct a thorough analysis and ask about your symptoms. The surgeon will also perform a visual exam of the back of the throat using a fiber optic flexible laryngoscopy. The treatment for a voice disorder will rely heavily on the underlying cause.

 

Swallowing Disorders

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is found in all age groups, but especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It can be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary. When the difficulty does not clear up by itself in a short period of time, it is important to seek treatment to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. At Methodist Charlton ENT Associates, our staff is trained in diagnosing and treating this condition.

 

The physician will discuss the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat. The physician may perform a procedure called a fiber optic endoscopic evaluation. She will put a small tube called a laryngoscope through the nose to visualize the back of the tongue, throat and larynx. Also, if necessary, the specialist will perform an examination of the esophagus, called Trans Nasal Esophagoscopy (TNE). Treatment will be tailored to the particular cause of the swallowing disorder. Most disorders can be treated with swallowing therapy or medication. Sometimes, if a narrowing exists in the throat or esophagus, the area may need to be stretched or dilated, or released surgically. This procedure is called a myotomy.