Pronounced: Ay-PHONE-ee-uh
Aphonia is a condition that involves complete or partial loss of your voice. You cannot speak or can only whisper. This is usually due to problems with the voice box (called the larynx). There is treatment for this condition.
Aphonia can be caused by:
These factors increase your chance of developing aphonia:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to aphonia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. If there is a clear link to a physical cause, aphonia can be easily diagnosed. It may be more difficult, though, if the condition is due to psychological causes.
You may be referred to a:
Your doctor will work with you to create the right treatment plan. Treatment options include the following:
Your doctor will also treat the underlying condition. For example, if you have polyps or growths on your vocal chords, treatment may include:
To help reduce your chance of getting aphonia, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists
http://www.caslpa.ca/
Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
http://www.osla.on.ca/
References:
Acute laryngitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health_information_library/index.html?ArticleID=19423#whatis . Accessed December 9, 2008.
Aphonia. American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Random House Reference; 2003;187-187.
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Casthely PA, Labagnara J. Hoarseness and vocal cord paralysis following coronary artery bypass surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth . 1992;6:263–264.
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Primary progressive aphasia. Northwestern University website. Available at: http://www.brain.northwestern.edu/ppa/ . Accessed November 5, 2008.
Sancho JJ. Pascual-Damieta M, Pereira JA, Carrera MJ, Fontané J, Sitges-Serra A. Risk factors for transient vocal cord palsy after thyroidectomy. Br J Surg. 2008;95:961-967.
Schum RL. Selective mutism. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2002/q3/020924ftr.htm . Published 2002. Accessed November 5, 2008.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005; 117.
Types of acute laryngitis. Voice Problems.org website. Available at: http://www.voiceproblem.org/disorders/laryngitis/types.asp . Accessed December 9, 2008.
Venes D, Thomas CL, Taber CW. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary . Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis Co; 2001.
Vocal fold nodules and polyps. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/NodulesPolyps.htm . Accessed November 5, 2008.
Vocal nodule. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2008. Accessed November 5, 2008.
Wolfe, Honora Lee. Hysterical aphonia & electroacupuncture. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. 2003;(237):139.
Youngson R. Aphonia. Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia . London, England: Bloomsbury; 2000: 82-82.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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