1. Generally, how many types of disorders can be mentioned when referring to voice cord disturbances?

Voice cord disturbances can be broadly categorized into two main types: organic (structural) and functional. Structural disturbances include issues such as laryngitis, cysts, polyps, and vocal cord paralysis. Treatment for these typically involves medications or surgical interventions. Functional disorders are caused by psychological factors and require psychiatric consultation or professional voice therapy.

2. What are the most common disorders of the vocal cords?

The most frequently observed disorder of the vocal cords is laryngitis, which accompanies colds. It is usually short-term and heals within a few days without leaving any issues or scars.

3. What are the primary causes of notable disorders in the vocal cords?

The most common cause of long-term disorders in the vocal cords is excessive and improper use of the vocal cords. During laryngitis, the strain on the vocal cords can easily lead to the formation of polyps and cysts. Even without inflammation, prolonged strain on the vocal cords can result in the development of nodules.

4. What symptoms do vocal cord diseases present?

For example, does the tone of the voice change? What problems should a person suspect? The most prominent feature of voice disorders is the deterioration in the quality and performance of the voice. Common complaints from patients include hoarseness, thickening of the voice, huskiness, inability to speak or sing as long as before. Additionally, symptoms not directly related to the voice, such as a feeling of a lump in the throat, throat burning, frequent need to clear the throat, or persistent dry cough, can accompany long-term voice disturbances and may even be the primary reason for seeking medical attention.

5. How frequently does hoarseness occur in society, and is it a condition that people generally do not pay much attention to? Do you agree?

Voice disturbances affect approximately 5% of the population, with teachers making up about 16% and artists around 5% of those with voice disturbances. Individuals with voice disorders often do not pay much attention to their voice problems unless it causes difficulties in their professional life or deteriorates their quality of life. Additionally, lack of knowledge and concerns about the treatments for voice disorders lead people to neglect addressing their issues.

6. What is the difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Vocal cord nodules are thickened areas on the vocal cords resulting from prolonged and improper use of the voice; they are akin to calluses on the vocal cords. They are more commonly seen in women and professionals who use their voices extensively, such as teachers and singers. Nodules can be eliminated through voice therapy by learning proper voice usage. In stubborn cases, they may need to be removed surgically via endoscopic microsurgery, and post-surgery voice therapy should be conducted to prevent recurrence. Polyps, on the other hand, typically present as unilateral mucosal thickening after a persistent hoarseness following a cold. They are resistant to voice therapy, and the preferred treatment method is endoscopic microsurgery. Post-operative voice therapy is not mandatory, and recurrence is rare.

7. Is it true that cyst formation in the vocal cords can be congenital?

Congenital cyst formations can occur anywhere in the larynx, but cysts on the vocal cords usually develop later, often triggered by a cold. Endoscopic microsurgery is recommended to treat vocal cord cysts.

8. Do voice disturbances only occur in individuals who use their voices extensively, such as singers and teachers? If not, what causes voice disturbances in those who do not use their voices excessively?

Voice disturbances are more common in individuals who use their voices extensively due to their profession, and these issues are more noticeable as they interfere with their professional lives. However, voice disturbances can also occur in individuals who do not use their voices intensively. Conditions such as polyps, cysts, and chronic laryngeal inflammations can occur even in those who do not use their voices extensively. Reinke’s edema is more commonly seen in women and is strongly associated with smoking.

9. What are other causes that disrupt the voice?

The most important factor affecting voice quality is the integrity of the structures involved in sound production, such as the lungs, larynx, and oral cavity. Problems in these structures can lead to voice and speech disorders. Additionally, factors that cause irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords can also degrade voice quality. Climate conditions, air quality in the environment, and exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause irritation of the vocal cords. Recently, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been recognized as a significant factor that can lead to laryngeal and voice problems. Stomach acid that reaches the larynx through reflux causes chemical irritation, making the vocal cords more sensitive. Since reflux is often a chronic condition, it can lead to chronic changes in the larynx. Individuals with voice disorders frequently require evaluation and treatment for reflux.

10. Are voice disturbances more common in women or men?

Voice disturbances occur in both genders, but certain types are more prevalent in one gender over the other. Nodules, Reinke’s edema, and hyperfunctional voice disorders are more commonly seen in women, while hypofunctional voice disorders and contact granulomas are typically observed in men. Cysts, polyps, and vocal cord paralysis occur in both genders.

11. It is a known fact that the voice can deteriorate during certain periods even if there is no underlying condition (similar to women’s menstrual cycles). What other examples can we list?

One of the most important factors affecting voice production and quality is an individual’s personality and emotional state. Emotions such as joy, sadness, stress, and anxiety can cause the voice to change within seconds and can also have long-term effects on the voice. Additionally, overall health status and physical condition can influence the voice.

12. Are surgical interventions typically sought for voice disorders?

Can you provide information about treatment and voice exercises? Treatment for voice disorders is planned based on the underlying cause. For voice disorders caused by cysts, polyps, or chronic Reinke’s edema, the chances of success with medication or voice therapy are low. These can be effectively treated with endoscopic microsurgical methods, which are quick and have a high success rate. Functional voice disorders and nodules resulting from them are primarily treated with voice therapy. Voice therapy is conducted to ensure that the structures contributing to voice production work properly and economically. Exercises include correct breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as exercises to strengthen the vocal cords. The success of the treatment depends on the patient’s consistent practice of these exercises and their application in daily life. In cases where voice therapy does not sufficiently improve nodules or vocal cord paralysis-related voice disorders, surgical methods may be considered.

13. What should a person do to take good care of their voice?

Especially for those who use their voices intensively due to their profession, it is essential to protect their voices. Avoid overloading the vocal cords (such as speaking loudly, talking in noisy environments), use a microphone when possible during presentations, and refrain from shouting from room to room. Avoid prolonged phone conversations and hold the jaw to prevent tension in the jaw muscles. Avoid using the voice excessively during colds and psychological stress. Professional voice users should avoid smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke, as it causes dryness and irritation of the vocal cords. Hydration is crucial for the vocal cords, so drink plenty of water and maintain a high humidity level in the environment. When singing, warm up your voice and then move to lower and higher notes. If hoarseness occurs and lasts longer than two weeks, it is essential to consult an ENT specialist to diagnose the issue and begin treatment as soon as possible.

14. What are the consequences of not treating voice disorders?

Short-term voice disorders typically occur during upper respiratory tract inflammations and can heal without issues if managed carefully. However, long-term hoarseness, regardless of the cause, creates a vicious cycle where the severity of the disturbance is prone to increase, leading to difficulties or even impossibilities in professional life and restrictions in personal life. If not diagnosed, destructive voice disturbances may go unnoticed. Therefore, if hoarseness persists for longer than two weeks, it is crucial to visit an ENT specialist to receive a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

15. Can you provide information about voice thickening or thinning surgeries?

Are these difficult operations, who are they mostly performed on, can they be applied to anyone, and what should be taken into consideration? In cases where voice thickening is caused by mass increases on the vocal cords, such as Reinke’s edema, polyps, or cysts, endoscopic microsurgery can restore the voice to its normal pitch, and the success rate is high. After adolescence, in cases of continued high-pitched male voices, voice therapy can help return the voice to a normal male pitch. Other surgeries to thin or thicken the voice are more complex and are primarily performed to alter the pitch of the voice after gender reassignment. In addition to endoscopic approaches, conventional surgical methods can also be applied.

16. Do professionals like singers need to have their voices checked periodically?

Voice professionals, like athletes, need to maintain the condition of their vocal cords at a high level. This requires strictly adhering to voice hygiene rules, performing daily voice exercises, and avoiding situations that could damage the voice and vocal cords. Additionally, in the event of any minor issues, they should consult an ENT specialist to evaluate both the vocal cords and hearing.

17. Is it possible to restore a damaged voice in a voice artist?

If the problems in the vocal cords are caused by nodules, polyps, or cysts, surgical removal through endoscopic microsurgery can restore the voice to its original state, and the success rate is high. Sometimes, voice artists may also need to undergo voice therapy and even receive psychological support and counseling. Treating voice problems caused by chronic laryngeal inflammation is more challenging, but regular and intensive treatment can achieve success. However, the most important point is that voice artists must diligently protect their voices to prevent voice disorders from occurring.