Voice and Speech Disorders
Are you having trouble speaking? Voice and speech disorders can develop for many reasons, and the specialists at Mountain West ENT in Bountiful and Layton are here to help patients throughout Davis County with their condition. Voice and speech disorders affect several components used in speaking including the vocal cords, larynx, and surrounding muscles and tissues used for speech.
If the vocal cords become damaged, inflamed, or growths develop, it can interfere with a patient’s ability to breathe, eat, and speak properly.
What Causes Voice and Speech Disorders?
- Aging
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Allergies
- Brain injuries
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Genetic disorders
- Scarring from a surgery or neck trauma
- Stroke
- Throat cancer
- Thyroid problems
- Upper respiratory infections
- Voice overuse
Contact Us
Bountiful Location
1551 S. Renaissance Towne Dr. (Main St.), Suite 310
Bountiful, UT 84010
801-295-5581
Layton Location
2255 N. 1700 W., Suite 200
Layton, UT 84041
801-776-2180
Diagnosis of Voice and Speech Disorders at Mountain West ENT in Bountiful and Layton
To diagnose voice and speech disorders for our patients across Davis County, our specialists may use one of the following tests and tools to determine the cause of the problem. To minimize discomfort, these tests are conducted with the use of a topical anesthetic.
- Acoustic analysis: During this test, your doctor will use a computer to measure abnormalities in the sound produced by your vocal cords.
- Flexible laryngoscope: This type of laryngoscope is flexible enough to be inserted through the nose and is used to view any damage to the vocal cords with the attached light and camera.
- Laryngeal electromyography: This test is conducted with small needles that are inserted through the skin of the neck. The needles measure the electric currents in the muscles of the voice box to diagnose any irregularities in function.
- Mirror testing: The angled mirror used for this test is similar to that of a dentist’s mirror and is inserted into the mouth to observe vocal cord damage.
- Rigid laryngoscope: Unlike the flexible laryngoscope, a rigid laryngoscope is not as pliable, so it is inserted through the mouth to observe any visible issues.
- Videostroboscopy: This test utilizes a tool with a camera and flashing light, inserted into the mouth, to create a slow-motion view of the vocal cords as they vibrate.
After diagnosing the cause of your voice and speech disorder, one of our Bountiful or Layton ENT specialists can prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. If you have been experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, reach out to us today to schedule your appointment.