The more you understand your body and how it functions, the better equipped you'll be at taking care of yourself to achieve optimal health. On the left side of our Web site you'll find a tab called Learn More. Click there to find a wide variety of valuable, practical wellness information. We hope you can incorporate this informantion into your lifestyle to improve the quality of your life. Turn to these pages whenever you have a question about ear, nose and throat health related issues. We urge you to contact our practice at any time to make an appointment with one of our otolaryngology physicians or audiologists.
If you have questions about hearing or balance problems, or regarding hearing instruments such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices or hearing protection, please see the Bloomfield Hearing portion in our Web site. Click the Bloomfield Hearing tab at the top of our Home page. You will find a list of hearing and balance related topics there. Our audiologists will be happy to answer your questions about communication, hearing and balance at your next audiology appointment. Consultations with our audiologists are available free of charge to discuss your options for amplification and assistive listening technology. You can also discuss coping strategies for living with hearing and balance disorders.
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A variety of medications can have a negative effect on the voice. These include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies. If you feel that your medication is adversely affecting your voice, consult your physician.
Vocal cords function best when they are well lubricated, just like your automobile engine. Dehydrated vocal cords do not vibrate as efficiently as moist ones, leading to vocal difficulties. Many medications can have a drying effect; they include:
Commonly prescribed inhaled steroid medications for asthma frequently cause hoarseness. The steroid and/or the carrier substances within the inhaled preparation can be irritating and can lead to a yeast infection on the vocal cords in some cases. If your physician recommends that you take an inhaled steroid medication for your asthma, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations closely with regards to use. You should rinse your mouth and gargle with water after you use the medication. Use a spacer if recommended. If you notice that you become hoarse while using an inhaled steroid, see your otolaryngologist. Commonly, your symptoms can be treated quite easily. If you have persistent problems with your voice because of your inhaled steroid, see your primary care physician or pulmonologist.
Several medications classes that relax muscles can lead to vocal difficulties by making acid reflux worse. Acid reflux is a common cause of hoarseness and vocal difficulties, and the following medications may make acid reflux worse by relaxing your esophageal sphincter muscles: