Do you need a throat doctor in Sun City West, AZ, or the surrounding areas of Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Glendale, Peoria, and Youngtown, AZ? At Arizona Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians, Dr. Ralph Bassett, Dr. Sanford Hoffman, and their team of dedicated professionals provide complete ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care.

Categories of Voice Disorders

Our voice is one of those things that we take for granted. Until things start to go wrong. There are several voice disorders we can fall prey to. They fall into three categories:

• Structural – due to physical changes in your vocal anatomy.
• Neurogenic – due to abnormalities in the central or peripheral nervous system.
• Functional – due to the improper care and use of your vocal anatomy including your larynx and diaphragm.

Within these categories are any number of voice disorders, and some are much more prevalent than others. There is also a category of voice disorder that has a psychological element.

Four Common Types of Voice Disorders

Dr. Bassett, Dr. Hoffman, and their colleagues at Arizona Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians see patients who need a throat doctor in Sun City West, AZ, or the surrounding areas when they are suffering from one of the following:

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the one we are all most familiar with. It is the inflammation of your voice box (larynx). You can get laryngitis through infection, irritation, or when you overuse your voice. Your vocal cords swell and distort your voice, making it sound hoarse or making it disappear temporarily.

Growths

There are two subtypes of vocal growths:

• Polyps - growths that affect the way your voice sounds. These polyps or growths occur on one or both of your vocal folds and look like blisters.
• Nodules - growths that develop on the vocal folds from vocal misuse. These growths are little swollen spots that will eventually become like calluses.

Functional Dysphonia

Functional dysphonia is when you have voice problems for no discernable physical reason and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Factors that predispose you to functional dysphonia include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Psychological traits
• Vocal behavior

Presbyphonia

Presbyphonia is prevalent in older patients. It is when the structure of our voice box and muscles change, affecting our vocal folds. It affects the quality, sound, and pitch of your voice.

Contact Us

If you need a throat doctor for voice disorders in Sun City West, AZ, and the surrounding areas of Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Glendale, Peoria, and Youngtown, AZ, look no further than Dr. Bassett and Dr. Hoffman and their team at Arizona Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians. Call us today at (623) 975-1660 for an appointment.