Vocal Cords and Voice Disorders

Your voice is an essential part of who you are and how you communicate with the world. When a voice or vocal cord disorder affects your ability to speak or sing, we can help.

The voice and larynx specialists at Henry Ford Health are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of voice and vocal cord disorders. We have solutions that will give you back your voice.

Anatomy of the voice box

Your larynx (also called the voice box) contains the structures necessary to create sound. Inside your voice box, you have vocal cords (also called vocal folds).

The vocal cords are bands of smooth muscle that vibrate to create sound when air passes through them. Anything that affects how the vocal cords function can affect the sound and quality of your voice.

Voice and vocal cord disorders we treat

At Henry Ford, we understand the importance of a strong voice. Whether you’re a performer, a teacher or just chatting with friends, you want your voice to be heard.

Our voice care specialists are experts at treating all types of voice and vocal cord disorders, including:

• Vocal cord nodules: People who use their voices as part of their job are prone to vocal cord nodules. These small, inflammatory or fibrous growths develop on the vocal cords from overuse. If you have vocal cord nodules, your voice may get raspy or hoarse.
• Vocal cord paralysis: This condition occurs when one or both vocal cords do not open or close properly. It can result from trauma, neurological conditions, infection, injury or cancer. Symptoms range from a hoarse, raspy voice to difficulty breathing.
• Vocal cord polyps: A vocal cord polyp is a small swelling in the mucous membrane that surrounds the vocal cords. It can result from overusing your voice, allergies, hypothyroidism or inhaling something that irritates your voice.
• Laryngitis: When the larynx is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness or temporary loss of your voice.
• Spasmodic dysphonia: People with this disorder experience involuntary spasms in the muscles of the larynx. Our program is one of the only sites in Michigan listed by the Spasmodic Dystonia Society for treatment of this complex disorder.

Learn how we treat voice and vocal cord disorders.