Phoniatrics - what is it?

Phoniatry is a branch of science derived from otolaryngology that deals with the study of disorders of hearing, speech, language, but also disorders of the normal functioning of the organ of hearing, i.e. the ear. The above-mentioned disorders are particularly dangerous for young children - if untreated, they can affect their development and consequently pose problems in adulthood.

What ailments can a phoniatrist treat?

Some of the conditions treated by phoniatrists may seem trivial on the face of it, and are therefore often underestimated. It turns out, however, that recurring hoarseness, for example, may have a more serious cause than the common cold. A phoniatrist can help us, among others, with the following ailments:

• Hoarseness,
• Strained ears,
• Deterioration of hearing,
• Voice disorders related to the vocal cords.

Phoniatrists specialise in helping people with hearing impairment or hearing loss - it is the doctors in this speciality who help patients to communicate normally and express their emotions with their voice. Importantly, due to their background in otolaryngology, phoniatrists also specialise in the treatment of conditions that arise, for example, after the removal of polyps from the vocal cords or after surgical procedures such as the removal of the larynx. A visit to a phoniatrist is also recommended when the normal functioning of the tongue is disturbed, making normal day-to-day communication difficult.