Hoarseness & Voice Problems Specialist

Downtown ENT: B. Thuy Le, MD

Otolaryngologist located in New York, NY

At Downtown ENT, in SoHo, Manhattan, B. Thuy Le, MD, diagnoses voice problems and other causes of hoarseness. She offers personalized treatments to restore your voice and relieve your symptoms. Call Downtown ENT or schedule a consultation online today to get the expert ENT treatment you need.

212-518-1785

Hoarseness & Voice Problems Q&A

What is dysphonia?

Dysphonia, or hoarseness, is any alteration in phonation, which is your speaking voice and singing voice, and an estimated 7.5 million Americans have dysphonia.

Your voice is produced by air exhaling through your vocal cords. Amazingly simple in structure, the vocal cords can be easily affected by problems within and around the vocal cords themselves, nearby in the throat or larynx, or even from the sinuses.

What causes hoarseness and voice problems?

Laryngitis
Polyps, cysts, or nodules
Inflammation
Inhaled irritants
Smoking
Colds and upper respiratory infection
Allergies
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Thyroid problems

If you have chronic hoarseness, raspiness, voice breaks or a weak, breathy voice, call Downtown ENT to schedule an appointment with Dr. Le to find out what’s causing your symptoms and get the treatment you need.

How are the causes of hoarseness and voice problems diagnosed?

During your consultation, Dr. Le listens to your voice as she asks about your symptoms and medical history. Then, she inserts a thin, flexible laryngoscope to examine your vocal cords. She might ask you to say a few words and perform some simple maneuvers while the scope is in your throat so she can observe how your vocal cords move.

How are hoarseness and voice problems treated?

Dr. Le offers customized treatment plans to address the condition causing your hoarseness. In some cases, you might need to rest your voice, give up smoking, or avoid exposure to airborne irritants. She can also recommend treatments for colds and upper respiratory infections that can irritate your vocal cords. She will prescribe medications if needed. Generally, it is a good idea to return for a follow-up to check that the problem improves or to take the next step.

If you have abnormal growths on your vocal cords, Dr. Le might recommend surgery to remove them. Dr. Le might recommend voice therapy to help you strengthen your voice. She might also suggest Botox® injections to reduce abnormal spasm.

Call Downtown ENT or book an appointment online today for expert assessment and treatment for hoarseness, dysphonia, or other voice problems.