SERVICES
Complete care of the voice
Dr. Elizabeth Self Burckardt is an otolaryngolist who specializes in surgical and medical treatment of voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. She is the first in Kentucky to use cutting edge KTP laser ablation to treat early vocal cord cancers. Dr. Burckardt is also one of the first in the state to offer in-office and awake procedures for suspicious lesions, vocal cord paralysis, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and vocal cord dysplasia.
Professional voice issues may affect anyone using their voice on a regular basis, including not only performers, such as singers, speakers, and actors, but also teachers, lawyers, doctors, sales personnel, fitness coaches, clergy, and many other professions.
Have peace of mind that Dr. Elizabeth Self Burckardt has the highest degree of expertise in caring for voice disorders.
Phonomicrosurgery (or microsurgery of the vocal cords) is a delicate procedure using a microscope and microscopic instruments to remove lesions on the vocal cords while preserving the function of the vocal cords.
Dr. Elizabeth Self Burckardt has the expertise to perform this delicate surgery.
Vocal cord paralysis is when a vocal cord does not move. The lack of contact between the vocal cords is often referred to as a "glottic gap."
You can think of of a vocal cord immobility similarly to a leaky valve. The vocal cords are unable to close completely and this allows air to escape between them. With air escaping between the vocal cords, your voice is more breathy and quiet. It is also substantially more effort to produce speech. By the same logic, food and water are more likely to go into your lungs (aspiration) because you are unable to close your vocal cords effectively.
Fortunately, several options for treatment are available.
CONDITIONS TREATED
Complete Care of the Voice
Hoarse voice
Since hoarseness can have many causes, you should have it checked to ensure no serious underlying problems
Voice changes
Get an thorough evaluation of why your voice has changed
Vocal cord cancer and dysplasia
Some vocal cord cancers can be treated with laser surgery and voice preservation.
Vocal cord paralysis
Immobility of the vocal cords can cause a weak voice or even aspiration into the lungs
Posterior glottic stenosis
Fusion of the vocal folds can occur following trauma to the voice box leading to a hoarse voice and difficulty breathing.
Vocal cord nodules and polyps
Vocal cord nodules and polyps may need delicate microsurgery.
Subglottic stenosis
Airway stenosis is when the tissue closes off your windpipe. Sometimes dilation or laser surgery can help
Viral warts that recur leading to hoarseness and airway obstruction
Reinke's Edema (Polypoid Corditis)
Reinke's edema is often related to smoking and can cause a deep gravely voice or airway obstruction
Vocal fatigue
The vocal cords have muscles and can fatigue just like other muscles in your body
Laryngopharyngeal reflux
"Silent reflux" can cause hoarseness, cough, and thick mucus drainage even without heartburn
Chronic cough
One of the causes of chronic cough include issues with the larynx
Transgender voice
Receive expert care from a compassionate voice specialist
Muscle tension dysphonia
The larynx has muscles and tension can cause pain and issues with speech
Pain with singing or speaking
Vocal trauma can cause pain. We are here to help alleviate these issues.
Spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor
Spasms of the larynx can cause uncontrollable gaps in speech
Voice changes in Parkinson’s Disease
Vocal tremors and reduced volume are common in Parkinson's disease and we are here to help
Vocal cord hemorrhage
Vocal cord hemorrhage is often caused by voice trauma and can result in a sudden lose of voice
