Skip to main content

Featured post

Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises for Vertigo | London & Essex ENT

  Lost Your Balance? How Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises Retrain Your Brain for Vertigo Relief in East London, Brentwood and Essex Living with chronic dizziness or a persistent off-balance sensation can make the simplest daily tasks feel incredibly daunting. Many adults across East London, Brentwood and Essex find themselves treading carefully, feeling lightheaded when turning their heads quickly, or experiencing a wave of unsteadiness when trying to change lanes on the busy A406 (North Circular) or commuting along the A12 . It is entirely natural to feel anxious, vulnerable, and exhausted when your balance system stops working as it should, leaving you feeling disconnected from the world around you. If you are tired of relying on short-term medications that leave you feeling drowsy, it is time to look at a highly effective, long-term solution. Specialised vestibular training, known globally as Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises , is designed to actively retrain your brain to conquer chronic...

Hoarseness or change in voice...



When should I get worried about my change in voice?
Change in voice can be due to so many causes. It can be due to simple things like acid reflux, chronic cough, flu, post nasal drip leading to frequent throat clearing or due to cancer on the voice box. 

"IF YOU HAVE CHANGE IN VOICE WHICH IS GETTING WORSE FOR MORE THAN 3 WEEKS, YOU NEED TO SEE AN ENT SURGEON."

Other symptoms which can be present with a change in voice in cases of laryngeal cancer be weight loss when you are not dieting, a lump in the throat, earache, shortness of breath, throat pain.


How does the ENT surgeon diagnose what is causing my hoarseness?

Change is voice can be due to both non-cancer and cancerous reasons. On a visit to ENT voice specialist, he or she will take a full detailed history, access how your profession is affecting your voice and how voice change is affecting your job. After recording your quality of sound, an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) is used to examine any structural and functional problems with the voice box. In some cases, examination under general anaesthetic with biopsy may be requested along with special scans of neck and chest.

What are non-cancer causes of hoarseness?

Common causes for the change in voice could be due to
 a) due to an increase in muscle tension in neck or voice box (e.g. stress, singing or speaking without a warm-up and in an inappropriate way),
b) inflammation of the voice box (e.g. smoking, laryngitis due to flu, acid reflux, post nasal drip due to hay fever or sinusitis),
c) due to structural problems in voice box itself (e.g. nodules, cysts, blood cyst or bleeding in vocal cord, polyp),
d) rarely due to nerve compression or thyroid.


I relly on my voice for my job, how can I look after my voice?
Professionals like teachers, doctors, singers need their voice to earn their living. If someone gets hoarseness, that means your voice box needs to be looked after. Our voice quality depends on vibration in vocal cords in the voice box and our lungs in the chest. Things we all can do to look after our voice are keeping ourselves and vocal cords well hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day. 

If you drink a lot of juice, tea, coffee, fizzy drinks; change these episodes gradually by drinking water. It is recommended we all should drink at least 2 litres of water every day. Keep your surroundings hydrated by using air moisturiser, steam inhalation, keeping rooms well ventilated and not using too much of air conditioner. 

Smoking is harmful to the voice. Seek help from your GP and "stop smoking helpline". Seek advice from your GP or ENT surgeon how to treat your acid reflux or post nasal drip from hay fever or sinusitis. Constant throat clearing can damage your voice box. Specific to teachers and stage performers, use personal amplification systems. Reducing background noise can have a considerable impact, as well. Breathing exercises in yoga and pilates help with your lungs and voice projection. Seeking advice from ENT voice specialist, who can help you identify the cause for your hoarseness and arrange to see speech and language therapist for vocal training.




I saw an ENT surgeon, and he told me I have vocal cord nodules. I am a singer what to do?
Vocal cords have two layers deeper muscular layer and a top layer of gel. Gel layer vibrates similar in a similar way when you see a ripple if wave on the surface of the water which is struck by a stone.  When a singer hits the vocal cord in high or low notes, this can cause stress on the gel layer to form nodules. Initially, it is soft collection hence the name soft nodule, and if we continue to use voice without changing our singing habits, this can be replaced by fibrous tissue to form a solid nodule. Once you reach the stage of the solid nodule, it has to be treated surgically. Soft nodules are best managed by getting help from your ENT surgeon, speech and language therapist and singing teacher. Hydration, the good warm-up session before a stage performance, and voice rest are critical in treating soft nodules.


Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

To make an appointment

Call 07494914140

email  info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk


Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant

Popular Post

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty: Breathing vs Appearance | London & Essex

  Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty:  Breathing vs Appearance for Patients in London and Essex If you are struggling to breathe through your nose or are unhappy with its external shape, you have likely come across the terms septoplasty and rhinoplasty . Many patients across East London and Essex come to our clinics assuming these two procedures are exactly the same. It is incredibly common to feel confused by medical terminology, especially when you are just searching for a solution to a daily frustration—whether that is waking up exhausted from a blocked airway or feeling self-conscious about a nasal bump. While both surgeries focus on the nose, they serve completely different purposes. Anatomy and Purpose: Function vs Appearance To understand how these procedures differ, it helps to look at the structural balance between how your nose works on the inside versus how it looks on the outside. Septoplasty (The Functional Fix): This procedure focuses entirely on the internal architect...
Read more

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...
Read more

Private Glue Ear Treatment for Children in London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Glue Ear in Children: Helping Your Child Hear Clearly in London and Essex It is incredibly common for parents to notice a sudden change in their child’s behavior—whether they are suddenly turning up the iPad volume, ignoring instructions at home, or struggling to follow what their teacher is saying at school. While it is easy to mistake this for daydreaming or a simple lack of attention, the true culprit is frequently a structural condition known as Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion). When local families across East London and Essex search for answers, they are often relieved to find that this common cause of childhood hearing loss is highly treatable. This guide explains how glue ear impacts your child's daily development and the localized care pathways available to resolve it. What is Glue Ear? Glue ear occurs when the middle ear space—the air-filled cavity directly behind the eardrum—becomes filled with a thick, sticky fluid instead of air. In children, the Eustachian tube...
Read more

What Happens During Septoplasty Surgery? | London & Essex

  What Actually Happens During Septoplasty? Inside the Procedure to Restore Nasal Airflow in East London, Brentwood and Essex Contemplating any surgical procedure can naturally bring about a wave of anxiety. If you are an adult living in East London, Brentwood or Essex who has struggled for years with a chronically blocked nose, you might have been told that a septoplasty is the answer. Yet, it is completely normal to feel hesitant when you don't know exactly what the operation involves. Perhaps you worry about waking up with a completely different face, or you are anxious about extensive downtime keeping you off the busy M25 or A12 commute. If you are seeking clarity, let us demystify the process. A septoplasty is a highly structured, internal procedure designed purely to help you breathe freely again—not to change your outward appearance. Anatomy and Pathology: Straightening the Internal Wall To understand the mechanics of a septoplasty, we need to look beneath the surface at ...
Read more

Septoplasty vs Septorhinoplasty: What’s the Difference and Which Surgery Do You Need?

  Septoplasty vs Septorhinoplasty: Understanding Your Nose Surgery Options Difficulty breathing through the nose can significantly affect sleep, exercise, work and overall quality of life. Some patients also feel unhappy with the appearance of their nose following injury, previous surgery or natural development. Two commonly discussed procedures are septoplasty and septorhinoplasty . Although the names sound similar, the operations are designed to treat different problems. This guide explains the differences between these procedures, when surgery may be appropriate, and what patients should expect during recovery. What is the nasal septum? The nasal septum is the internal wall that separates the two nasal passages. Ideally, it sits centrally and allows air to flow evenly through both sides of the nose. However, many people have a deviated septum , where the septum bends to one side. A deviated septum can cause: Persistent nasal blockage Difficulty breathing through th...
Read more

Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Why Does It Feel Like Something Is Stuck in Your Throat? Many people occasionally clear their throat during a cold or allergy flare-up. However, when throat clearing becomes frequent or constant, it can become frustrating, socially embarrassing and uncomfortable. Some patients also describe a persistent feeling of a “lump” or tightness in the throat, even though swallowing food and drinks may still feel normal. This sensation is known as globus sensation . In many cases, these symptoms are linked to irritation or inflammation affecting the throat and voice box. Common causes include laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux), voice strain, postnasal drip or muscle tension . This article explains the common causes of chronic throat clearing and globus sensation, when to seek ENT advice and what treatment may involve. What is globus sensation? Globus sensation refers to the feeling that something is stuck in the throat, despite the...
Read more

Earbuds vs Over-Ears: Which One Is Silently Damaging Your Hearing?

Headphones are no longer an occasional accessory—they’re part of daily life. From early-morning podcasts to late-night playlists, our ears are spending more time under acoustic load than ever before. But a question keeps coming up in clinics, classrooms, and conversations around ear health: Are earbuds worse for your hearing than over-ear headphones? Let’s move beyond opinion and aesthetics. By looking at sound pressure levels , hygiene , and long-term listening behaviour , we can reach a clear, evidence-informed conclusion. 1. Sound Pressure Levels: Distance Matters More Than You Think The single most important factor in headphone-related hearing risk is the amount of sound energy that  reaches the inner ear . Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Sit millimetres from the eardrum Deliver sound directly into the ear canal Require lower absolute power , but often result in higher sound pressure at the cochlea Users tend to increase volume in noisy environments (commuting, g...
Read more

Private Child Tonsillitis & Quinsy Treatment London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Recurrent Tonsillitis and Quinsy in Children:  When Sore Throats Require Specialist ENT Intervention A simple sore throat is a standard part of childhood, usually clearing up within a few days with rest and plenty of fluids. However, when a child suffers from severe, recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers, missed school days, and a complete refusal to swallow, it becomes a major strain on the entire family. For some families across East London and Essex, a standard throat infection can escalate into a much more serious and painful complication: a peritonsillar abscess , commonly known as Quinsy . When parents find themselves looking for long-term answers outside of overstretched local NHS services, understanding when to seek a private ENT specialist is essential. This guide covers how to recognise the progression of tonsil infections and the localised private care pathways available to resolve them permanently. Recurrent Tonsillitis vs. Quinsy: What is the Difference...
Read more