Vocal Sulcus , symptoms, treatment ||Thrissur || Relentcare ENT centre

Vocal Sulcus is a condition affecting the vocal folds, caused by a crease or invagination on the surface. This occurs due to the thinning or absence of a crucial layer called the superficial lamina propria, leading to difficulty in normal vocal fold vibration. It results in hoarseness and voice fatigue, which can significantly affect communication.
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Symptoms of Vocal Sulcus
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• Sulcus Vergeture Symptoms:

  • Harsh, reedy voice

  • Increased effort to speak

  • Background noise interference

  • Voice misidentification (especially in men)

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• Sulcus Vocalis Symptoms:

  • Painless hoarseness

  • Voice quality fluctuations

  • Possible history of better vocal quality in the past

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Diagnostic Process at Relentcare ENT Centre
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At Relentcare ENT Centre, Dr. Salison Salim Panicker uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify vocal sulcus. 
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Treatment Options for Vocal Sulcus​

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   1. Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is often the first line of treatment and aims to improve vocal fold function, reduce strain, and prevent further damage. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can guide you through various exercises tailored to your needs.

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Vocal function exercises: These exercises can help strengthen the vocal folds and improve coordination. They may include exercises to facilitate better closure of the vocal folds during phonation, which is often compromised in vocal sulcus.

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Resonant voice therapy: Focuses on creating a forward voice resonance, which can reduce strain on the vocal folds.

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Breathing exercises: Improving breath support can lead to better vocal control and reduce the impact of vocal fold pathology.

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Relaxation techniques: Reducing muscle tension around the larynx can help reduce discomfort and improve vocal quality

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   2. Hydration and Humidification

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Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health of the vocal folds, especially in conditions like vocal sulcus. Dehydrated vocal folds can become stiff and less flexible, which can exacerbate the condition.

Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps to keep the vocal folds lubricated.

Humidifying the air: Using a humidifier in dry environments helps maintain moisture in the air and prevents the vocal folds from drying out.

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   3. Vocal Rest and Modification

 Limiting vocal strain is critical in managing vocal sulcus. Avoiding excessive talking, shouting, or speaking for long periods can prevent further irritation and inflammation.

Vocal rest: This includes periods of no vocalization or reduced voice use to give the vocal folds time to heal.

Voice use modification: Learning to use the voice efficiently without excessive force or tension can be helpful. An SLP can provide guidance on how to produce sound with less stress on the vocal folds.

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   4. Surgical Removal of Sulcus

In some cases, the sulcus tissue may be surgically removed, and neighboring tissues may be drawn together. However, this may lead to scarring and worsened hoarseness.

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    5.Injection Therapy

Fat, collagen, or similar substances are injected into the vocal fold to fill the gap caused by sulcus. This is a temporary solution with variable results.​

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Why Choose Dr. Salison Salim Panicker?

 

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Dr. Salison Salim Panicker, a leading ENT surgeon at Relentcare ENT Centre, has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating voice disorders, including vocal sulcus. His patient-centered approach, coupled with cutting-edge technology, ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.
Patients from Kolazhy, Thrissur, and the surrounding areas of Mannuthy, Viyyur, Athani, and Irinjalakuda trust Dr. Salison for his expertise, caring nature, and personalized treatment plans
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