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 — KTP, (5) Feminization Laryngoplasty.
Home›Clinical & Educational›Speech or Voice, What’s the Difference? Mr. Heim Stillear story — post-stroke dysarthria. “Speech line” concept: above the Adam’s apple = speech modification (resonance and interruptions); below = sound production. Dysarthria = neurologic problem above the speech line. Discusses how slurred speech creates false perception of diminished intelligence. Distinguishes voice problems (below the…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Video and the Voice Why video recording of vocal cords is essential — most vocal events happen too fast for live perception; stroboscopy needed to slow and reveal. Rigid vs. flexible endoscopy approaches. If patients can view video of their own cords, they can often assess whether their physician’s explanation makes sense. References…
Home›Clinical & Educational›Anatomy of the Voice Box Accessible anatomy introduction. Three functions of the larynx: regulate breathing, create sound, keep food out of lungs. Describes thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple), cricoid cartilage, hyoid bone, and how testosterone thickens/elongates vocal cords lowering pitch. Written from a café observation scene with a Japanese-speaking couple. References the book. Migration…
Home›Clinical & Educational›UEP Podcast — Identifying Voice Disorders Podcast with Dr. Shiying Hey (Union of European Phoniatricians). Topics: background in laryngology starting in high school with physics/sound; three-part diagnostic approach (history, voice examination, endoscopy); compensatory behaviors; lifestyle factors (coffee, alcohol); references the 2012 book and voicedoctor.net. Download link included.
Home›Clinical & Educational›What’s a Laryngologist? 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›Review: Thyroid Surgery Neural Dysfunction Guidelines Detailed critical review of: Dhillon VK, Randolph GW, Stack BC Jr, et al. Head & Neck 2020. Takes on flawed terminology (“immediate VFP”) and offers corrected statements for each of the paper’s 5 consensus points. Key arguments: “Vocal fold paralysis” is wrong terminology for surgical nerve injury…
