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 note: Part I “Anatomy of the Voice Box” page content.
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›A Standard Examination of the Human Voice Standard Laryngeal Examination — An adequate assessment of the human voice, particularly pre- and post-surgery. Ideally two parts: audio recording and visual endoscopic examination including stroboscopy. Audio examination parameters: Speech (10-second standard reading passage), Maximum phonation time at comfortable pitch, Lowest pitch (stepwise glide), Highest pitch…
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›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›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›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…
