MedBlog

A 'broken' voice may be caused by spasmodic dysphonia

Politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and public radio host Diane Rhem are among the 50,000 people who have spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that alters your voice. Discover how UT Southwestern's voice specialists help patients cope with the condition.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

May 10, 2024

What to include in your ‘voice care lunchbox’ – and what to leave out

Make your own version of Ariana Grande’s voice care lunchbox from The Voice. UT Southwestern discusses which items to include and what to add to help patients keep their voices in great shape.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

October 25, 2021

Vocal cord dysfunction can trigger extreme breathing problems while exercising

Vocal cord dysfunction causes symptoms that are often mistaken for exercised-induced asthma. UT Southwestern discusses how speech therapy can help control this overwhelming – but not life-threatening – condition.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

June 9, 2021

How cold, flu, and allergy symptoms can hurt your voice

Most of us don’t really think about our voice as a tangible thing that requires care – until we can’t use it because of illness. When you get sick and lose your voice, you may think it’s just a normal part of being sick.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

February 1, 2021

3 signs your vocal cords may be damaged

Everyone loses their voice or experiences hoarseness temporarily, but if vocal problems persist you need to take action to avoid long-term or permanent damage. Here are 3 signs you should seek voice care.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

January 22, 2021

How COVID-19 can put your voice and life at risk

Vocal cord scarring, another COVID-19 risk, can affect speech and breathing after being on a ventilator for an extended period of time. Preventing the coronavirus is the key to avoiding voice and breathing complications.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

July 29, 2020

Voice care: Sorting fact from fiction

We depend on our voices, but often take them for granted. Get the truth about common voice myths and find tips for how to keep the voice in tip-top shape.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

April 13, 2020

‘The Voice’ of Frisco inspires millions with her songs, and her superpower

Frisco, Texas, native Maelyn Jarmon won Season 16 of The Voice on NBC, despite being deaf in one ear. Her voice captivated coach John Legend and millions of viewers around the country.

March 10, 2019

Can we talk about the value of voice care?

Dr. Lesley Childs of UT Southwestern is a former Disney singer and a nationally recognized voice care expert who has treated some of the biggest stars in the musical world. She also works with lawyers, preachers, teachers, and other professionals who use their voice as an important tool in their job. Learn some tips for voice care and how to preserve your instrument.

March 6, 2019

Beware: 4 conditions that can lead to voice problems

We only get one set of vocal cords, so protect them. Beware of these four conditions that can lead to vocal irritation or damage.

Lesley Childs, M.D.

May 11, 2016

Save your most valuable work asset: Your vocal cords

Lesley Childs, M.D.

March 3, 2016

Hoarse? Lost your voice? Here’s what to do

If you’re hoarse for more than two weeks, you should see a laryngologist (an ENT surgeon who specializes in the vocal cords).

April 9, 2015