Losing your voice or feeling hoarse can be surprisingly stressful — especially when your work or daily routine depends on clear communication. An Indian survey found that 1 in 3 adults experience voice problems every year, yet most delay visiting a doctor because they are unsure what tests are involved.
According to Dr. Shama Kovale, one of the best ENT doctors in Mumbai for voice issues, this delay often makes simple problems unnecessarily complicated.
“Most patients think voice tests are painful or invasive. That’s not true,” she explains.
“Modern vocal cord assessments are quick, safe, and extremely accurate. Once patients see their own vocal cords on screen, they finally understand what’s happening.”
This guide explains the main tests used to diagnose voice problems so you feel confident before meeting a voice specialist in Mumbai.
1. Mirror Laryngoscopy (Basic Throat Check)
This is the oldest, simplest way to check the vocal cords.
A small mirror is placed inside the throat to give a quick look at the larynx.
Useful for detecting:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Early vocal cord changes
It’s painless, takes a few seconds, and often acts as a first-step screening tool.
2. Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
A thin, soft tube with a camera is gently inserted through the nose.
Most patients feel only mild tickling.
This test helps check:
- Vocal cord movement
- Allergic swelling
- Reflux-related irritation
- Surface-level changes, such as redness or inflammation
It also records video so the doctor for vocal cord problems in Mumbai can show you exactly what’s happening.
3. Rigid Laryngoscopy (High-Resolution Mouth Scope)
A rigid 70° scope is placed through the mouth to get crystal-clear images of the vocal cords.
Best for evaluating:
- Vocal cord cysts
- Polyps
- Structural abnormalities
- Subtle voice-related lesions
Singers and professional voice users often benefit from this test due to its clarity.
4. Stroboscopy (Slow-Motion Voice Test)
This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing voice problems.
Using a flashing light, it shows your vocal cords in slow motion — something no normal scope can do.
It detects:
- Vibratory issues
- Early-stage lesions
- Muscle tension disorders
- Fine movement abnormalities
If you depend on your voice professionally, this test is extremely valuable.
5. Acoustic Voice Analysis
A microphone captures your voice, and software measures:
- Pitch
- Volume
- Stability
- Roughness
- Breathiness
It’s entirely non-invasive and helps monitor improvement during treatment with a voice specialist in Mumbai.
6. Electroglottography (EGG)
Small electrodes are placed on the neck to measure how well the vocal cords close during speech.
It is useful for diagnosing:
- Weak voice
- Incomplete closure
- Tension-related voice issues
Quick, painless, and often paired with acoustic analysis.
7. FEES – Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
Some voice issues come from swallowing problems.
FEES helps evaluate how safely you swallow food and liquids.
Used to check for:
- Aspiration
- Weak throat muscles
- Neurological swallowing disorders
- Post-surgery recovery
This is one of the core assessments performed at Mumbai’s advanced Voice & Swallowing Centre led by Dr. Shama Kovale.
Meet Dr. Shama Kovale — Voice, ENT & Airway Expert
Dr. Shama Kovale is widely known as one of the best ENT doctor in Mumbai for voice issues, with more than 23 years of experience in laryngology, voice surgery, airway reconstruction, and advanced ENT procedures. As the Head of the Voice & Swallowing Centre at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, she has built Mumbai’s first dedicated facility focused entirely on vocal health and swallowing disorders. Patients value her calm, reassuring style and her unique ability to explain problems in simple, clear language.With advanced fellowships from UC Davis (USA) and Hinduja Hospital, she treats everything from chronic hoarseness and vocal cord lesions to complex airway conditions. Singers, teachers, call-center professionals, children, and elderly patients regularly seek her care. She is known for her precise diagnostic approach, minimally invasive techniques, and patient-first philosophy — making her one of the most trusted doctor for vocal cord problems in Mumbai.
FAQs
1. Are these vocal cord tests painful?
No. Most involve only mild tickling or slight discomfort.
2. How long does a vocal cord scope take?
1–3 minutes for basic scopy; 5–10 minutes for advanced tests.
3. Do I need anesthesia?
A numbing spray is used for comfort during certain tests.
4. How do I know which test I need?
Your ENT specialist will choose based on symptoms like hoarseness, throat pain, or voice changes.5. Will insurance cover these tests?
Many tests are covered depending on your insurance plan.
Patient Reviews
⭐ Rhea M.
“Dr. Shama was so calm and reassuring. She showed me my vocal cords on screen, and I finally understood my hoarseness.”
⭐ Siddharth P.
“As a voice trainer, I was scared of losing my clarity. Her stroboscopy test was detailed and extremely helpful.”⭐ Lavanya S.
“Professional, warm, and very knowledgeable. I felt safe throughout the tests.”
Voice problems are common, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Modern tests make it easy to diagnose issues early — before they become long-term problems. Whether you’re experiencing hoarseness, throat discomfort, difficulty projecting your voice, or sudden voice fatigue, getting evaluated by a voice specialist in Mumbai can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for expert diagnosis, advanced testing, and compassionate care, Dr. Shama Kovale is one of the most trusted names for vocal cord evaluation, providing world-class treatment as a leading doctor for vocal cord problems in Mumbai and one of the best ENT doctor in Mumbai for voice issues.
Contact Details
Address: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Rao Saheb Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053
Give us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
Email Address: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
Website: https://voiceofent.com