How specialist Dr. Jeanne Hatcher cares for Charlotte's voices
A message from: Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates, P.A.
Your voice is a tool you use every day — from talking on the phone to loved ones to giving presentations at work to singing — whether professionally or just in the shower.
What you need to know: Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates (CEENTA) helps patients keep their voices clear, healthy and pain-free with comprehensive care from specialists like Jeanne Hatcher, MD, FACS.
We asked Dr. Hatcher to tell us more about her specialty and her work at CEENTA.
Where were you practicing before coming to Charlotte?
Before moving to Charlotte and taking a position at CEENTA, Dr. Hatcher worked and taught at Emory in Atlanta.
- Dr. Hatcher co-directed the Emory Voice Center, working to advance laryngology disciplines and training across specialties. She also advocated for physician mental health across Emory Healthcare and School of Medicine.
- What this means: Dr. Hatcher brings leadership, expansive expertise and compassion to her work at CEENTA.
Why did you choose to specialize in laryngology?
"As a laryngologist, I specialize in all things voice, upper airway and swallowing for adults."
- Why it's important: "Any problems talking, singing, breathing, eating or drinking can severely impact quality of life."
Dr. Hatcher is one of only three fellowship-trained laryngologists on staff, seeing patients at CEENTA's SouthPark and Fort Mill offices.
What conditions do you typically treat?
"I treat hoarseness, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing due to airway scarring. Hoarseness in particular is incredibly common!"
Since it's so common, what should people know about hoarseness?
Hoarseness is caused by a disruption in the normal vibration of your vocal cords. It can be caused by overuse, inflammation or infection, acid reflux, smoking or even allergies, according to CEENTA.
"To treat hoarseness, we examine the vocal cords' vibration and have a speech language pathologist perform a comprehensive voice evaluation."
- Next steps: "Depending on what we find, we work with the patient to determine if observation, voice therapy, medications, or surgery — or a combination — are the best plan of care."
How do you spend your free time?
"I enjoy exploring new recipes, spending time with my family, reading, taking walks with friends and listening to podcasts."
Find expert voice and swallowing care at a CEENTA location near you.
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