Explains the various names (laryngologist, phonosurgeon, voice doctor, phoniatrist) and that there is no formal degree — anyone may use the name, though training is becoming more formalized. References the book.
Migration note: Could integrate into About Dr. Thomas or a new “What is Laryngology?” intro page.
Home›Clinical & Educational›Gender Affirmation Voice Surgery — Thieme Chapter Announcement of book chapter published in Gender Affirmation Medical and Surgical Perspectives (Thieme, eds. Salgado, Monstrey, Djordjevic). Chapter pages 31–50 covers multiple surgical approaches for male-to-female voice modification with complete photographic documentation of Feminization Laryngoplasty and surgical technique details. Available from Thieme and Amazon. Migration note:…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Compensating for Hoarseness How natural compensation hides voice disorders during examination, both audibly and visually. Two examples: (1) TA muscle weakness — CT muscle compensates by raising pitch. Examiner removes compensation by asking patient to progressively lower pitch, revealing the bowing/flutter of the weak cord. (2) Mucosal swellings — patient raises volume at…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Can Someone Have a Voice Without Vocal Cords? Story of patient Mary Marlboro — larynx removed for cancer, used electrolarynx then developed esophageal phonation. Voice = sound source + amplifying resonator (no vocal cords required). The two fundamental characteristics of voice: pitch and volume. Wind chimes metaphor. References the book. Migration note: Part…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Feminization Laryngoplasty — WPATH 2016 Presentation at 23rd WPATH Symposium, Amsterdam, July 20, 2016. Describes the five procedures then utilized to alter pitch: (1) Cricothyroid approximation (Thyroplasty Type I), (2) Vocal cord webbing / VFSAAC / Wendler Glottoplasty, (3) Laser reduction — CO2 (LAVA / Laser Glottoplasty), (4) Laser vocal cord tuning —…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Hoarseness: We All Know It When We Hear It Introduces Faith N. Metsan story (recurring character from the book). Core definition: hoarseness = (1) unwanted air leak through vocal cords, or (2) irregular leak of air through vocal cords. “That is it. That is the essence and foundation of my entire book.” Every…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Vocal Cord Paralysis: Lateral Cricoarytenoid (LCA) Paresis Video post. Discussion with a colleague about vocal cord weakness — reviewing how to identify LCA paresis by focusing on the movement and position of the vocal processes. YouTube link. Migration note: Connects to the Neurolaryngology section (Part II Structural) and Part III Laryngoscopy.
