Explore Voice & Speech DisordersVoice Speech Disorders
Expert Care We Provide
Here at UConn Health, we are proud to have the first Voice and Speech Clinic in Connecticut. If you are a singer, teacher, lawyer, or in any other field requiring much speaking, our clinic is the best place to address your voice concerns.
When you trust us with your voice, a team of laryngologists and voice experts will initially assess you using video stroboscopy and other diagnostic interventions. We also have voice-trained speech pathologists, including two singing and acting voice specialists.
As the state’s major academic medical center, we accept many referrals for patients from other specialists.
Voice & Speech Disorder Services
Treatment Options
At the Voice and Speech Clinic, we offer treatments in our office to help improve your voice and swallowing issues. We use local anesthesia and the latest video technology to guide us. When necessary, we work closely with other surgeons to handle more complex conditions and cases.
Paralyzed Vocal Cords
If one or more of your vocal cords is paralyzed, we can help by initially providing therapy which can help encourage compensation from the healthy vocal cord. If that is unsuccessful, we can move the paralyzed cord into a better position so you can swallow and speak normally. There are two ways we can reposition the vocal cords:
- Injections — The doctor will insert a special material either through your mouth or a small injection into your neck. This material increases the size or bulk of that vocal cord, which makes it easier to speak and swallow. This option can have short- or long-term benefits, so talk with your specialist to learn more.
- Implants — A permanent implant is inserted through a small incision into the neck, and the device is placed. This device pushes the paralyzed cord into an ideal position and provides a long-term solution for you.
In-Office Laryngeal Surgery
Many office procedures, such as laryngoscopy, biopsies, some vocal cord injections, electromyography, and certain laser procedures, can be done in the office under topical anesthesia with no need for general anesthesia.