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 the book.
Migration note: Part III Laryngoscopy or Vocal Capabilities page content.
Home›Clinical & Educational›Thyroid Surgery Guidelines for Voice Evaluation — Letter to JAMA OTO Letter to editor submitted to JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery in response to Shonka & Terris (2016). Argues that current AAO-HNS and ATA guidelines are insufficient — vocal capability recording before and after any thyroid/parathyroid surgery is the gold standard. Vocal…
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›Frog in Your Throat? The founding post of the blog — mirrors the book’s thesis. Getting a hoarseness diagnosis can be “a long, tough process.” Patient stories: “The explanation for my hoarseness doesn’t make sense” and “I have tried so many treatments without success.” Key message: “A hoarse person with a voice that…
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.
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›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:…
