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Voice Case of the Week: Does Smoking Marijuana Affect the Voice?

Osborne Head and Neck Institute Case Presentation: This is a case of a 24 year old male professional singer who has noted gradual loss of vocal range over the past year. He has had increased demands over that period of time but is studying with a vocal coach. He feels that he is technically proficient, …

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Voice Case of the Week: Vocal Granuloma

Osborne Head and Neck Institute Case Presentation: The patient is a 42 year old director who has noted progressive worsening of his voice over several months. He noted initial onset after a 3 week movie shoot, where he had to use his voice excessively. He went to an ENT who noted the presence of a …

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Vocal Nodules: Frequently Asked Questions

Vocal nodules are one of the most commonly misunderstood forms of vocal pathology among voice users. These lesions are noncancerous benign reactive growths that develop on the vocal folds after traumatic or forceful voice use. The purpose of the vocal nodule is to protect the delicate vocal folds from continued trauma. Continued use of improper …

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Vocal Nodules: Treatment

Surgery should be reserved as a measure of last resort for the treatment of vocal nodules. Vocal surgery can result in scarring and a subsequent decrease in vocal quality. This invasive approach to nodule treatment approach should be considered once all other options have been exhausted. In addition, the determination of whether vocal surgery is …

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The Benefits of Voice Therapy

Proper technique is a crucial component of maintaining and preserving a healthy voice. Often times voice users will seek evaluation for vocal complaints that result in healthy appearing vocal cords on imaging and no clear diagnosis. Issues with proper technique, both spoken and sung, are usually the cause of these complaints. Vocal therapy is a …

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Voice Case of the Week: Scarring From Surgery

Osborne Head and Neck Institute Case Presentation: The patient is a 55 year old male who has had significant vocal demands as a teacher for several decades. He had noted sudden voice changes and sought care by an ENT, who informed him that he had a vocal growth. The recommendation was made for surgical excision …

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Voice Case of the Week: Vocal Folds in a Gospel Singer

Osborne Head and Neck Institute Case Presentation: The patient is a 24 year old female who has noted a 5 year history of progressive worsening of her voice. She was examined by an ENT who told her that she had nodules and that she should rest her voice. She did not notice any improvement but …

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The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

There is growing concern about the popularization of synthetic marijuana in the US. Also known as fake pot, spice, or herbal incense, this new designer drug carries various health risks including serious injury and death. Due to lack of regulation and proper dosing safeguards, fake pot has been responsible for several serious overdose reactions and …

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A Real Explanation for Vocal Fatigue

Vocal fatigue is an often-misdiagnosed condition that is commonly seen in the professional voice user. Because, vocal fatigue can often present with little to no visible vocal pathology, traditional providers have typically provided incorrect diagnoses and temporary stopgap measures. If left untreated vocal fatigue can ultimately lead to classical voice disorders as well as vocal …

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