Voice Disorders & Neurolaryngology Clinic Chennai

If hoarseness persists beyond 2-3 weeks, you should consult a voice specialist. For professional voice users (singers, teachers), earlier evaluation is recommended. Sudden voice loss, voice changes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, or voice problems after neck surgery require immediate evaluation.

Not all voice problems require surgery. Many conditions improve with voice therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically recommended for structural lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules not responding to therapy), vocal cord paralysis, or certain chronic conditions. Dr. Vidhyadharan will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your diagnosis.

Recovery varies by procedure. Microsurgery for lesions requires 1-2 weeks voice rest, then gradual return to speaking over 2-4 weeks. Full voice recovery takes 6-12 weeks with voice therapy. Vocal cord medialization procedures may have faster recovery. Compliance with voice rest and therapy is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Most patients achieve significant voice improvement with appropriate treatment. Early-stage lesions and proper technique yield best results. Long-standing problems or scarring may limit full restoration, but improvement is usually possible. Realistic expectations are set during consultation based on individual findings.

Yes, Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience treating professional voice users. Understanding unique demands of professional voice is essential. Treatment plans consider performance schedules, voice techniques, and career requirements. Collaboration with voice teachers and coaches when appropriate.

Videolaryngostroboscopy is a specialized examination that uses slow-motion video to assess vocal cord vibration patterns. It reveals subtle abnormalities not visible with regular examination. Essential for accurate diagnosis, surgical planning, and monitoring treatment response. The procedure is quick, painless, and done in office.

Voice therapy is highly effective for many conditions including vocal nodules, muscle tension dysphonia, functional voice disorders, and professional voice problems. It is essential even when surgery is performed to optimize outcomes and prevent recurrence. Commitment to therapy exercises is key to success.

Vocal cord paralysis can result from surgery (thyroid, chest, spine), viral infections, tumors, or neurological conditions. Treatment depends on whether paralysis is temporary or permanent. Options include voice therapy, injection laryngoplasty, or thyroplasty. Most patients achieve functional voice with treatment.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis occurs when both vocal cords are paralyzed in the midline position, causing severe breathing difficulty (stridor) while voice may remain relatively preserved. Unlike unilateral paralysis, the priority is restoring the airway. Treatment options include Kashima posterior cordotomy (laser procedure to widen airway), arytenoidectomy, or tracheostomy in severe cases. Dr. Vidhyadharan specializes in these airway-widening procedures while minimizing voice impact.

The Kashima posterior cordotomy is a laser procedure that creates an opening in the back of the vocal cord to widen the airway in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. It is performed endoscopically through the mouth with no external incisions. The procedure improves breathing while preserving most of the voice quality. Recovery is quick, and most patients can avoid permanent tracheostomy. Dr. Vidhyadharan has expertise in this specialized procedure.

Vocal cord nodules are bilateral callous-like thickenings caused by voice overuse or abuse, common in teachers and singers. Polyps are usually unilateral fluid-filled or hemorrhagic lesions from acute vocal trauma or chronic irritation. Nodules often respond to voice therapy, while polyps typically require microsurgical removal. Both benefit from post-treatment voice therapy to prevent recurrence.

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder causing involuntary vocal cord spasms, resulting in strained, strangled voice (adductor type) or breathy, effortful voice (abductor type). Treatment primarily involves botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into vocal cord muscles every 3-6 months. Dr. Vidhyadharan provides this specialized treatment with voice therapy support for optimal symptom control.

Voice treatment costs depend on the type of procedure required (diagnostic stroboscopy, microsurgical phonosurgery, injection laryngoplasty, or thyroplasty), anesthesia type, hospital stay duration, and post-operative therapy needs. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan offer comprehensive voice care with advanced videostroboscopy and microsurgical facilities at economical costs. Detailed cost estimates are provided during consultation based on your specific diagnosis.

Success rates are high for appropriately selected patients. Microsurgery for benign lesions (polyps, cysts) achieves 80-90% voice improvement. Vocal cord medialization for paralysis improves voice quality and prevents aspiration in over 90% of cases. Success depends on accurate diagnosis, surgical expertise, compliance with voice rest, and participation in post-operative voice therapy. Dr. Vidhyadharan's microsurgical expertise ensures optimal outcomes.