Having a voice, speech, swallowing, or airway disorder can greatly limit your ability to eat, drink or communicate comfortably. Sometimes these disorders can be a sign of a more significant health problem.
Penn Laryngology provides comprehensive care for the full range of voice, speech, swallowing, and airway conditions. Our team of expert clinicians treats a large number of patients each year, including singers, actors, teachers, public speakers, and anyone else experiencing these conditions.
We are a leader in the field of laryngology and offer state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and behavioral care techniques, many of which were pioneered here at Penn. Drawing upon the latest technology and treatment approaches, our clinicians will diagnose your condition and develop a personalized care plan that is specific to your needs. Our goal is to help preserve your highest level of function.
Some conditions are complex and require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Penn Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) otolaryngologists work closely with other top specialists in the department and throughout Penn Medicine, including interventional pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery, speech therapy, and oncology, in order to provide coordinated, streamlined care. We recognize that your time is precious, which is why we strive to schedule your appointments with your otolaryngologist, speech language pathologist, and other providers all within the same day.
Disorders of the Larynx (Voice Box)
The larynx, also known as the voice box, serves as the entrance to the windpipe. It allows air to pass from the throat to the lungs and houses the epiglottis and vocal cords. Vocal cords are responsible for sound production and for preventing you from breathing food into your airway when swallowing.
There are numerous ways in which injury, illness, disease, or even medical treatment can affect the larynx:
- Voice and speech disorders can be caused by overuse, weakness, virus, disease, poor vocal hygiene or surgical treatment of another condition.
- Swallowing disorders can be caused by prior surgeries, or neurological or structural problems.
- Airway disorders can be caused by trauma, inflammatory disease or even tracheotomy.
Penn Laryngology treats patients with these conditions.