Your voice is more than just a way to speak; it’s how you express yourself, connect with others, and navigate the world. But when something goes wrong with your voice or vocal cords, even the simplest conversations can become a challenge. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we understand the importance of vocal health. Our founding doctor, Dr. Michael Kaplan, brings years of specialized experience in treating a wide range of voice and vocal cord disorders.

Whether you’re a professional speaker, singer, teacher, or someone simply looking to regain your normal voice, we offer diagnostic services and tailored treatments to help restore your voice and your confidence. Voice disorders can arise from overuse, infection, injury, or underlying conditions.

But with the right care, recovery is possible!

If you’re experiencing hoarseness, throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, or any other changes in your voice, don’t wait. Reach out to Kaplan Sinus Relief today to schedule a consultation.

What are the symptoms of vocal cord disorders?

Vocal cord disorders can take many forms, and the symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. In general, if you notice persistent changes in your voice or experience discomfort when speaking, it may be time to see an ENT specialist. Some of the most common symptoms of vocal cord disorders include:

• Hoarseness or a raspy, breathy voice
• Voice loss or reduced vocal range
• Chronic throat clearing
• A feeling of a lump in the throat (also known as globus sensation)
• Neck pain or tension when speaking
• Voice fatigue after minimal use
• Difficulty projecting your voice
• Shortness of breath or noisy breathing during speech

In many cases, disorders like hoarseness or voice loss can be brought on by chronic sinus infections, which can be treated with minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty; however, voice changes that last longer than two weeks, especially if they worsen over time, may require more extensive treatments.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we work with patients to determine the source of the issue, whether it’s vocal cord nodules, polyps, paralysis, or something more complex.

Signs of permanent vocal damage

Not all voice changes are temporary. Some signs may indicate permanent vocal cord damage or a more serious underlying condition:

• Ongoing hoarseness lasting longer than 3 – 4 weeks
• Complete voice loss with no signs of improvement
• Pain while speaking or swallowing
• Visible strain or effort required to speak
• Unexplained coughing up of blood
• Severe breathiness or whispering quality

Permanent damage can result from prolonged vocal misuse, surgery, intubation injuries, nerve damage, or certain medical conditions. The good news is that even some forms of permanent damage can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we’re here to help you get your voice back on track.

How does an ENT doctor check your vocal cords?

Checking the vocal cords is a delicate process that requires precision tools and expertise. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, Dr. Kaplan uses advanced techniques to evaluate vocal cord function in a safe, thorough, and minimally invasive way.

The primary method for examining vocal cords is through a procedure called laryngoscopy, a type of endoscopy that specifically examines the voice box.. There are two main types:

1. Indirect laryngoscopy: This involves using a small mirror and a light source to view the vocal cords through the mouth. While this is a basic and quick method, it’s less commonly used today due to advancements in technology.
2. Flexible or rigid laryngoscopy: This involves using a small camera, either inserted through the nose (flexible) or mouth (rigid), to get a close-up, real-time view of your vocal cords and larynx. A flexible laryngoscope is especially useful because it allows your doctor to watch your vocal cords in action as you speak, sing, or breathe.
   

These procedures are typically performed in-office and take just a few minutes. Dr. Kaplan uses these tools to look for swelling, abnormal growths (like nodules or cysts), inflammation, paralysis, or signs of misuse. This careful evaluation helps guide treatment options that are personalized to your needs.

How painful is a laryngoscopy?

Understandably, many patients worry that a laryngoscopy will be painful — but rest assured, the procedure is generally very well tolerated. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we take extra care to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

1. A topical anesthetic is usually applied to numb the nose and throat before the procedure.
2. The flexible scope is thin and smooth, minimizing discomfort.
3. You may feel a slight tickle or pressure but no sharp pain.
4. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

Afterward, you may experience mild throat irritation or a slight cough for a few hours, but there is usually no downtime required. If you’re especially anxious, our team is happy to walk you through the process and offer support every step of the way.

Vocal cord problems treatment

Treatment for vocal cord disorders depends on the specific condition, its severity, and your overall vocal needs. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we offer a range of solutions designed to restore voice function and relieve symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Voice therapy: Often the first line of treatment, this involves working with a speech-language pathologist to correct vocal habits, strengthen the voice, and reduce strain.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (if infection is present), or proton pump inhibitors (if acid reflux or GERD is contributing) may be prescribed.
• Surgical procedures: If nodules, polyps, cysts, or other structural issues are present, Dr. Kaplan may recommend outpatient surgery to remove the growths and promote healing.
• Injections: Vocal cord paralysis or atrophy can sometimes be treated with collagen or fat injections to help the vocal cords close more effectively.
• Botox: For conditions like spasmodic dysphonia (involuntary muscle spasms), Botox injections can reduce symptoms and improve voice quality.

Each patient is different, and treatment plans are customized with your goals and lifestyle in mind. Whether you’re aiming to return to singing professionally or just want to speak without discomfort, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Find your voice with a visit to Kaplan Sinus Relief

Your voice deserves the same care and attention as any other part of your body. Whether you’re dealing with persistent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or something more serious, Dr. Michael Kaplan and the team at Kaplan Sinus Relief are here to help you heal and thrive.

Located in Houston, our ENT clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to address a full spectrum of vocal cord disorders — from temporary voice loss to chronic conditions that require specialized care. With a reputation for compassionate, patient-centered service, we focus on restoring not just your voice, but your confidence and quality of life.

Don’t ignore changes in your voice. Schedule an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief today, and let’s work together to get you speaking, singing, and living fully again.