Changes in your voice can feel unsettling, especially when hoarseness, breathiness, or choking sensations persist. Vocal cord palsy is one possible reason, and understanding how it is assessed and managed can help reduce uncertainty. Read along to know how an ENT specialist evaluates and treats vocal cord palsy, focusing on process and clinical decision-making rather than promises.
What Is Vocal Cord Palsy?
Vocal cord palsy (also called vocal cord paralysis) occurs when one or both vocal cords do not move properly. Because the vocal cords play a role in speaking, swallowing, and breathing, impaired movement can affect daily activities.
- One or both vocal cords may be affected
- Voice may sound hoarse, weak, or breathy
- Swallowing liquids may trigger coughing or choking
- In some cases, breathing feels uncomfortable during speech
What Causes Vocal Cord Palsy?
Vocal cord movement is controlled by nerves. When these nerves are disrupted, vocal cord palsy can occur.
Common causes include:
- Nerve-related issues affecting signals to the vocal cords
- After surgery involving the neck, chest, or thyroid
- Following viral illnesses or inflammation
- Idiopathic cases, where no clear cause is identified despite evaluation
Not all cases have an obvious trigger, which is why careful assessment is important.
How Does an ENT Specialist Diagnose Vocal Cord Palsy?
An ENT specialist focuses on understanding how the vocal cords move and how this affects function.
What the assessment may involve:
- Reviewing voice changes, swallowing symptoms, and onset timeline
- Examining the throat and neck
- Performing flexible laryngoscopy, a simple in-clinic procedure that allows visualisation of vocal cord movement
- Recommending additional tests (such as imaging) if nerve pathways need further evaluation
A vocal cord palsy ENT specialist is trained to assess vocal cord motion safely and comfortably using in-clinic tools.
How Do ENT Specialists Treat Vocal Cord Palsy?
Management depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms. Treatment is individualised and may involve one or more approaches.
Common management options
- Voice therapy with a speech therapist to optimise voice use
- Injection procedures to improve vocal cord closure in selected cases
- Surgical options when symptoms significantly affect voice, swallowing, or breathing
- Observation, as some cases improve over time
Care is planned around function and safety, rather than speed of recovery.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
Early assessment helps clarify the cause and guide next steps.
Consider seeing an ENT specialist if you have
- Hoarseness lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Voice changes after surgery or a significant illness
- Frequent choking or coughing when drinking liquids
- Breathing discomfort during speech or exertion
Seeing a vocal cord palsy ENT specialist early helps clarify the diagnosis and guide appropriate care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is vocal cord palsy the same as laryngitis?
No. Laryngitis usually involves inflammation and is often temporary, while vocal cord palsy relates to nerve-related movement issues. - Can vocal cord palsy recover on its own?
Some cases improve over time, depending on the cause. Monitoring and follow-up are often recommended. - Is flexible laryngoscopy painful?
It is generally well tolerated and performed in the clinic using a thin, flexible scope. - Will I need surgery for vocal cord palsy?
Not always. Many patients are managed with voice therapy or less invasive procedures. - Can vocal cord palsy affect breathing?
In some cases, especially when both vocal cords are affected, breathing symptoms may occur and require prompt assessment.
A Calm, Step-by-Step Approach to Voice Concerns
Voice changes can be worrying, but evaluation is often straightforward. At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying assesses voice and throat symptoms with a focus on understanding function, identifying causes, and discussing appropriate management options.
If your voice has not felt right for a while, an ENT assessment can help clarify what is happening and what options are available.
Ready to Clarify Your Voice Symptoms?
If hoarseness or voice changes are affecting your daily life, consider arranging an ENT consultation for a proper evaluation and guidance on next steps.
Book an appointment with Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre
