Voice disorder can occur gradually or suddenly and may have a major impact on your ability to communicate to perform your job as well as participate in the many social aspects of your life. Voice disorders may be identified by the following symptoms:

* changes in your voice
* hoarseness
* unexplained breathiness or a tight sensation in your throat
* throat clearing
* coughing
* pain associated with talking
* restrictions in loudness or pitch range
* difficulty swallowing and/or feeling of a tickle or lump in the throat
* inability to be heard in all situations
* difficulty singing

Accurate and comprehensive examination is important to help you understand what is happening and how to proceed in helping your voice return to normal.

We are proud to offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of your voice through the combined expertise of team assessment using the technique of dynamic laryngeal imaging with rigid endoscopy and videostroboscopy.

Videostroboscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is completed by a physician and certified speech-language pathologist. It is a procedure that allows the clinician to view and film the vocal cords in motion to evaluate many parameters including vocal cord motion, closure and any possible changes including nodules, polyps, larangopharyngeal reflux and/or other lesions.

It is completed in the following manner:

* A voice disorder history is completed including a brief recording of your voice.
* You will be asked to sit leaning forward with your chin tilted up.
* Your tongue will be wrapped in gauze and the rigid scope will be gently advanced to the uvula (back of tongue) while you breathe in.
* You will be asked to say "eeeee" and breathe for 5-10 seconds while the clinician visualizes the vocal cords. This procedure may be repeated 3-5 times to allow the clinician to film the very best pictures for you for the most comprehensive assessment of your problem.
* The examination is recorded on a DVD for viewing with Dr. Hickson, the speech-language pathologist, nurse and you and your family.
* A diagnostic session is then completed with Dr. Hickson, the speech-language pathologist, the nurse and you and your family to help you determine your options for helping your voice return to normal as quickly as possible.

The total procedure lasts approximately 15-20 minutes and is completed with your comfort as a priority with short-term numbing offered as needed if you feel you may have trouble with gagging. It is not considered a painful procedure and is a very practical and efficient way to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening as well as how to treat the problems.

Following examination, you may be prescribed medication, voice rest, a referral for speech therapy or possibly surgery to help implement a therapeutic program to help your voice. Follow-up examination to determine progress may be part of your treatment plan and your original DVD will be used to compare and document your progress.

This examination is recognized as a valuable tool in the assessment of evaluation of voice disorders and is covered by most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.