You may have noticed something unusual happening to your voice lately. Whether these changes occur intermittently, persistently, or temporarily, they undoubtedly affect various aspects of your life, from professional endeavors to personal interactions at home. Navigating through these shifts can be challenging, especially when seeking medical guidance.

This website is crafted to serve as a valuable resource for you during this journey. Here, you can connect with knowledgeable healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating voice-related issues. Additionally, we offer access to supportive communities and groups where you can interact with individuals who genuinely understand your challenges firsthand. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support and assistance as you seek clarity and solutions for your voice-related concerns.

Where to Start

There is no one path, but the following types of healthcare professionals are the ones you may see along your journey. Some voice clinics have an interdisciplinary approach where you’ll be treated by a team of professionals.

General Practitioner

Your general practitioner may start the process to determine what might be going on with your voice. It’s important to advocate, research voice issues, be informed, and be ready to have a productive conversation. Your general practitioner may refer you to one or more of the following specialists listed below.

The specialists who treat voice disorders include:

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Otolaryngologists focus on disorders and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) region and related areas of the head and neck.

Laryngologists

Laryngology is a subspecialty within otolaryngology that focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of disorders of voice, airway and swallowing. After postgraduate fellowship training, these physicians are often active in clinical and basic science research to help advance the field’s understanding.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists, especially those specializing in voice, can help with voicing and breathing techniques and often work with an MD on treating disorders like SD. Training includes post-graduate university training, certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (the initials CCC-SLP), and licensing from the state. Although all SLPs receive some training in voice problems, considerable additional clinical experience is required to conduct effective voice therapy.

Movement Disorder Specialists

Neurologists focusing on movement disorders will help determine if any neurological components are present, such as SD or vocal tremors.

Finally, a Diagnosis

A diagnosis may feel like a weight has lifted but can lead to many more questions. Now, the rest of the work needs to be done: 

• Understanding what you are dealing with
• Treatment options
• Rebuilding your self-confidence

Discovering that you have a voice disorder can be difficult, but you’re not alone as you move forward. Regardless of the type of voice disorder you’re experiencing, please understand that support is available. This site offers a wealth of information to assist you, and we’re here to provide assistance along the way.