THYROID GLAND DISORDERS AND ASSOCIATED VOICE PROBLEMS
The Thyroid gland serves an extremely important role in the human body. Thyroid hormones are responsible for the body’s homeostasis, the body’s basic functioning, including the metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, and muscle control. The size and shape of your thyroid gland—and its hormones—have a major impact on the quality of your voice.
What is the effect of Hypothyroidism on voice?
When thyroid hormone levels are extremely low, and uncorrected, the vocal folds may develop thickening of the vibrating layer. This is called myxedema and can occur in other areas of the body as well. Myxedema is a gelatinous thickening of the vocal folds, which causes a harsh, “smoker’s voice.” This occurs in varying degrees and, when severe, may require surgery
What is the effect of Hyperthyroidism on voice?
When thyroid hormone levels are elevated, a patient is hyperthyroid. Voice symptoms may include a tremulous voice, due to the hypermetabolic state the patient is in. This resolves with treatment of the underlying cause. There are many reasons hyperthyroidism can develop including an autoimmune condition called Graves disease, Thyroid nodule.Hence correcting Thyroid hormone levels is extremely important
How Thyroid swellings cause voice issues?
The recurrent laryngeal nerves are located behind the thyroid gland which are responsible for moving most of the vocal muscles. Injury of these nerves can produce major voice symptoms. Another pair of nerves, the External branch of Superior laryngeal nerves are located at the uppermost aspect of the thyroid gland are vital for pitch elevation, as they supply the cricothyroid muscle.It can also be injured by thyroid problems.
Thyroid nodules can grow over time and cause compression and dysfunction of any of these four nerves. Delay in surgical treatment of thyroid nodules may result in a more complex surgery, with a higher incidence of voice complications. Thyroid Cancer can also invade the nerves, muscles, or even the larynx itself and can cause significant voice disorder.
Why there is a risk of voice problem after Thyroidectomy surgery?
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of your thyroid gland used for treating various conditions like Thyroid nodules, Thyroid cancer etc.One important concern of patients is how a thyroidectomy procedure may affect their voice after surgery.There is an increased risk for both temporary and permanent changes in voice following Thyroidectomy .Changes in your voice after a thyroidectomy may include hoarseness, easy fatiquability, trouble with high pitches and in singing voice, and decreased voice projection. The most common causes of voice change after thyroidectomy include damage to the nerves that control vocal cords, which are located around the thyroid gland; damage to the strap muscles, which function during talking and singing, or vocal folds; changes in the laryngeal mucosa. Of these possible causes, damage to your nerves is most likely to cause permanent changes in voice. Injection laryngoplasty, Laryngeal framework surgery, or thyroplasty, laryngeal reinnervation are some of the treatment options available for Vocal cord paralysis causing voice problems