APRIL 16 IS WORLD VOICE DAY

"INVEST IN YOUR VOICE" 

Each year on April 16, otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, speech-language pathologists and other voice health professionals join together to recognize World Voice Day and raise awareness. The Voice Disorders Center at the University of Utah is a multi-disciplinary center dedicated not only to the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders, but also providing community education. We encourage everyone to assess their vocal health and take action to improve and maintain good voice habits.

Click here to find out what you can do to keep your voice healthy.

Hoarseness can result from laryngeal cancer, benign lesions (nodules, polyps, or cysts), paralysis, tremor, spasmodic dysphonia, muscle tension dysphonia, scaring, aging, laryngitis, and other changes to the voice box. Hoarseness or voice changes can be the first sign of some types of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or a sign of laryngeal cancer. Therefore, it is important not to ignore persistent hoarseness (greater than 4 weeks) or voice changes.

Most people underestimate the importance of a healthy voice until difficulties develop. Disorders can be mild or severe enough to compromise employment opportunities, the ability to perform everyday activities such as grocery shopping and attending doctors' appointments, or social and emotional health. Excellent vocal health is especially crucial for professional voice users whose livelihood depends on the health, endurance, versatility, or beauty of their voices. The term professional voice user is most often associated with singers, acting professionals and broadcast personalities.  However, teachers, politicians, clergy, salespeople, attorneys, telemarketers, receptionists, and wait staff are all professional voice users who rely on their voices each day.

Symptoms of voice disorders include discomfort or pain when talking, hoarseness, vocal fatigue, withdrawal from social situations, effortful talking, or difficulty being understood. Click here to answer the following questions about your voice. If your score is greater than 15, you should consider having your voice evaluated.  

Correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment for some disorders often require a specialized team of professionals with the appropriate expertise and special equipment. Depending on the type of problem you are experiencing, your primary care physician or a general Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician might refer you to a specialized voice team. 

FREE VOICE SCREENINGS

If you are concerned about your voice due to persistent hoarseness, effortful speaking, throat pain with voice use, reduced loudness, difficulty being understood by others, vocal fatigue, or other similar symptoms, please make an appointment to receive a free voice screening as the Voice Disorders Center celebrates World Voice Day on April 16, 2009.

The voice screening includes answering questions about your voice problem and an endoscopic evaluation of your voice box. 

To schedule your free voice screening on April 16, please call 801-587-3549. Schedule your screening today while slots are still available!