Voice clinic
Voice clinic for hoarseness and vocal cord problems
A dedicated clinic for anyone whose voice is hoarse, weak, strained or tires easily, including teachers, singers, lawyers and other professional voice users. The vocal cords are examined with laryngoscopy, and treatment combines medicine, voice therapy and, when needed, microlaryngeal surgery.
In short
When should your voice be checked?
Have your voice checked if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks, if your voice tires quickly with use, or if speaking feels strained. Most causes, such as nodules, reflux or overuse, are treatable once the vocal cords are seen.
- Hoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Voice that tires or breaks with use
- Loss of high notes or range in singers
- Pain or a lump feeling while speaking
- Hoarseness in a smoker (do not wait)
Conditions
Conditions we diagnose and treat
Hoarseness (dysphonia)
A rough, breathy or strained voice from any cause.
Vocal cord nodules
Callus-like swellings from voice overuse, common in teachers and singers.
Vocal cord polyps and cysts
Benign swellings that change the quality of the voice.
Vocal cord paralysis
A weak or immobile vocal cord causing a breathy, weak voice.
Laryngitis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the voice box.
Reflux affecting the voice (LPR)
Acid irritation that causes throat clearing and hoarseness.
Muscle tension dysphonia
Strain in the muscles around the voice box without a visible lesion.
Voice change in adolescence
Including persistent high-pitched voice after puberty (puberphonia).
Professional voice care
Assessment and care for singers, teachers, lawyers and speakers.
Diagnosis
Tests available in the clinic
Seeing the vocal cords is the first step to a clear diagnosis.
- Laryngoscopy (vocal cord examination)
- Voice assessment
- Swallowing evaluation
- Biopsy when a lesion needs a diagnosis
- Speech & language evaluation
Treatment
Treatment and procedures
Most voice problems improve with voice care, medicine and therapy. Surgery is used when a lesion needs to be removed.
Voice therapy
Exercises with the speech and language therapist to use the voice efficiently.
Medical treatment
For reflux, allergy and inflammation affecting the voice.
Microlaryngeal surgery (MLS)
Precise surgery on the vocal cords under a microscope.
Vocal cord nodule, polyp or cyst removal
Removing benign lesions to restore the voice.
Vocal cord lesion excision and biopsy
Removing or sampling suspicious lesions.
Voice care plan
Practical advice on hydration, rest and voice use at work.
Founder & Chief Consultant
Dr. Udayakumar, MBBS, MS (ENT)
ENT specialist in otology, rhinology, neurotology, hearing sciences, and vertigo and balance disorders. Former Senior Consultant in ENT at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of ENT at Adhiparasakthi Medical College. Founder of Dr. Udaya’s ENT Wellness Centre (2018) and SAMANILAI Diagnostic & Therapeutic Centre (2023).
FAQ
Common questions
How long should hoarseness last before I see a doctor?
If your voice has been hoarse for more than three weeks, have your vocal cords examined. See a doctor sooner if you smoke, or have pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a lump in the neck.
Do vocal cord nodules need surgery?
Usually not at first. Most nodules improve with voice therapy and good voice habits. Surgery is considered when they do not respond, or when the lesion looks like a polyp or cyst.
Can teachers and singers be treated without long voice rest?
Often yes. Treatment is planned around your work, combining short voice rest, therapy and medicine. Complete rest is usually needed only for a short time after vocal cord surgery.
Is laryngoscopy painful?
No. It is a quick examination done in the clinic, usually with a local anaesthetic spray, and you can go home straight after.
Related care
Other clinics you may need
Talk to an ENT specialist in Tambaram
Consultations Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Call ahead or send an appointment request and the clinic team will confirm your slot.