What options are available for improving the voice?
June 25, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Rüppel
Dear Doctor,
my name is Hans Falk and I have been experiencing problems with my voice for some time. I work in a profession where I have to talk and communicate a lot, so my voice is particularly important to me. Lately, I have noticed that my voice sounds hoarse and rough, especially towards the end of the day or after longer conversations. This is a burden for me both professionally and personally, as I feel like I am not being heard properly or that my message is not coming across clearly enough.
I am concerned that these problems could have long-term effects on my voice and I am wondering if there are ways to improve it. I have already tried to rest my voice, drink more water, and have even tried some home remedies, but so far nothing seems to have improved significantly. That's why I am reaching out to you to find out what other options there are to strengthen my voice and make it sound clearer and stronger again.
Could you please recommend possible treatment approaches or therapies that could help me improve and protect my voice in the long term? Are there specific exercises or measures I can take to promote my vocal health? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and recommendations to get my voice back in top shape.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Hans Falk
Dear Hans Falk,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your voice, affecting your professional and personal quality of life. It is important that you take these complaints seriously and seek possible solutions to improve your vocal health.
The symptoms you describe, such as a hoarse and rough voice at the end of the day or after long conversations, can be attributed to various causes. One of the most common causes of voice problems is vocal cord strain, which can be caused by excessive use, incorrect vocal technique, or unfavorable environmental conditions. It is good that you have already tried to rest your voice and drink more, as these are important measures to relieve and hydrate the vocal cords.
If these measures do not bring noticeable improvements, it is advisable to consult a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and discuss targeted treatment approaches. In your case, I would recommend seeing an ear, nose, and throat doctor who can thoroughly examine your voice. The doctor may perform a stroboscopy to assess the mobility and vibrations of the vocal cords and identify possible pathological changes.
Depending on the diagnosis, various therapy approaches can be considered to improve your vocal health. These may include voice therapy measures, such as breathing and vocal exercises to optimize vocal technique and protect the vocal cords. Speech therapy treatment may also be helpful to strengthen the voice and improve articulation.
Additionally, medication therapies, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or special sprays, can be used to relieve and soothe the vocal cords. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, for example in the case of benign or malignant changes in the vocal cords.
It is important that you take your vocal health seriously and take active measures to protect and improve your voice. Remember that a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can also contribute to vocal health.
I strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor to thoroughly investigate your complaints and discuss targeted treatment approaches. With professional support and your own dedication, you can improve your vocal health in the long term and sound clear and strong again.
I wish you all the best and am happy to answer any further questions or support you in your concerns.
Best regards,
David Rüppel, Specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat Medicine
