What do nodules sound like

Communicating with people who have trouble hearing. Tips to help you speak with someone who stutters. About Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This is because:. Vocal nodules are usually caused by over using the vocal folds or using them with too much force. Nodules can develop quickly e. Allergies, colds, infectious laryngitis, and using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs can make them worse.

The preferred treatment for vocal nodules is voice therapy. Nodules that formed from poor vocal habits can become smaller and go away over time if you change the way you use your voice. It will take more time, home practice, and motivation to form new habits and make permanent changes in your voice. Signs and symptoms The most common symptom of vocal cord nodules is a raspy or hoarse voice. Stroboscopy : A small, thin, flexible endoscope with a camera is gently inserted through the nose to the area in the back of the throat above the vocal cords.

Most of the time, these exams can be done while your child is awake and in an office setting. Next Steps Contact Us. Pediatric Voice Program. Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care.

Prepare for Your Voice Appointment. Your vocal cords, also called vocal folds, are V-shaped bands of tissue that run down the middle of your voice box. When you talk or sing, air from your lungs rushes up through your vocal cords and makes them vibrate open. If you overuse your voice or use it incorrectly, you can irritate your vocal cords. Over time, the irritated areas harden until they have the texture of little callouses. These growths can prevent your vocal cords from vibrating normally.

A lack of vibration will change the pitch and tone of your voice. Anyone can get vocal nodules, including children. But these growths are more likely to form in women between the ages of 20 and 50 and in boys.

The increased risk in these groups of people may have to do with the size of their larynx. Singers can have a hard time reaching higher octaves because nodules reduce their range.

Some people lose their voice entirely. To treat vocal nodules, you should see an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat ENT doctor. You might also see an allergist if you think allergies are causing or contributing to the problem. To view your vocal cords more closely, the doctor may place a special lighted scope through your nose or mouth into your larynx.

Looking through this scope can help them see your nodules, which will look like rough patches on your vocal cords. You may be asked to talk at different pitches while the doctor watches your vocal folds vibrate. This may be recorded on video.

Treatment starts with vocal rest. Your doctor will tell you how long to rest. Located Near. Distance Distance 5 miles 10 miles 25 miles 50 miles Clear filter. Gender Provider's Gender Clear filter. Language Languages Clear filter. Age Group Patient's Age Clear filter. More Filters. Clear Filters Apply. Showing of Doctors. Hide Providers. About Vocal Nodules, Cysts, and Polyps. Our Locations. Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

Find a Location. Voice Therapy Voice therapy promotes healing of your vocal cord injury and helps you avoid future injury. Microsurgery In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove noncancerous vocal cord nodules, cysts, or polyps. Vocal Cord Laser Surgery Some types of vocal cord lesions can be removed with a laser. Medical Management Your laryngologist may prescribe medications to treat chronic cough , acid reflux, allergies, and other medical problems that may contribute to voice disorders.

Call for an Appointment. Videolaryngostroboscopy This detailed visual exam helps us evaluate how your vocal cords vibrate while you speak or sing.