How can Vocal Cord Problems (Vocal Cord Dysfunction) cause Problems with your Speech? What can be done to fix it?

Your vocal cords (within your voice box) are not just strings… They are a delicate form of fold tissues (muscles) with a very thin lining on the outside. And just like any other tissues within the body, if not taken care of properly, they can get damaged. Normally, when people start to exhibit vocal cord problems, they don’t notice or find the need to address it until the problems (like strained vocal cords, bleeding vocal cords or other forms of vocal cord damage) becomes severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor or a qualified voice specialist.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) happens when the vocal cords are unable to open properly. This is also referred to as paradoxical vocal fold movement. VCD is sometimes confused with asthma as some of the symptoms are very similar.

With VCD, the vocal cords close instead of opening up, when you breathe in and out. This closer of your vocal cords makes it harder to get air in and out of your lungs.

Signs and symptoms

• Feeling short of breath
• A frequent cough or clearing your throat
• Inability to speak loudly
• Breathy voice
• Choking or coughing while having your meal
• Limited pitch and loudness variations
• Voicing that last only for a short interval of time

Many clients who complain about one of the above problems can consult with their doctor to determine the underlying cause. However, they have been told that they don't have any physical problems. There are no cures or pills to stop the aforementioned vocal issues. In order to take care of your voice, you must know how to use it wisely and accurately - especially, when you are a voice professional like a teacher, singer, actor or a broadcast personality.

What can cause VCD?

There are many different causes of vocal cord problems which are often hard to diagnose. The reason behind this dysfunction can be an upper respiratory infection, tobacco smoke, post nasal drips, acid reflux, reaction to strong odors or fumes, etc.

Treatment for VCD

The best way of finding out what can be done to treat VCD is to consult with a voice and speech specialist who specializes in the treatment of voice problems - and this is where The Royans Institute for Non-Surgical Voice Repair can help.

With specialized treatment methods (created by the master non-surgical voice repair specialist Diana Yampolsky), they provide an alte
ative form of voice/speech therapy that is specifically designed to treat many of today's vocal problems - especially problems that involve vocal cord dysfunction. With nearly 45 years of experience under their belt, they can assure that the techniques you'll learn under their care will help you to restore and improve the quality of your speaking (and if needed singing) voice.

For more info about how they can help treat vocal cord problems like VCD, Contact us at 416-857-8741 or info@vocalscience.com