Clinical Voice Center Offers Free Screenings to UK Employees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 4, 2011) − People often don't realize how important vocal health is until they start to experience problems, such as hoarseness, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, these common conditions can actually become chronic voice disorders.

The UK Clinical Voice Center will be offering free voice screenings and evaluations for 30 individuals in the UK community (faculty, staff and students) in observation of World Voice Day on April 16.

Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have disorders that affect their voice. Early diagnosis of ENT disorders can be important in preserving your voice.

"Studies show that 60 percent of teachers report voice disorder during their career," said Rita Patel, director of the UK Clinical Voice Center.  "Resting the voice and drinking water are sometimes not enough. A simple case of hoarseness, if not treated properly, can become chronic."

The UK Clinical Voice Center provides comprehensive state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care for individuals experiencing these problems or who have other severe voice or throat-related issues. The Center is equipped with leading-edge technology like stroboscopy, high speed digital endoscopy, computerized voice assessment, and nasometry for assessment of voice disorders in adult and children.

The free screening will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 15 at the UK Voice Clinic located on the 3rd floor of the Kentucky Clinic, room B317.  Space is limited. Those interested may make an appointment by calling the Voice Clinic at 859-257-0143.  

Left unchecked, vocal problems like hoarseness, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing, can turn into chronic voice disorders.