Meet the doc: One of Charlotte's top laryngologists talks voice care
A message from: Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates
Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Associates's Voice and Swallowing Center is the go-to for singers, actors and teachers in our region, but you don't have to rely on your voice professionally to access best-in-class care. The experts at CEENTA can provide preventative care, diagnosis and treatment to keep your voice strong and healthy.
Dr. Darrell Klotz is an otolaryngologist at CEENTA with a subspecialty in laryngology, focusing on adult voice and swallowing disorders. We asked Dr. Klotz about himself and his specialty.
Why did you choose this specialty?
"We all take our voice for granted - it's usually always there when we need it, until it's not. I became a laryngologist because restoring lost/bad voices so that we can perform our jobs, read bedtime stories to our children and tell loved ones that we care about them is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done."
What conditions do you typically treat?
"Voice disorders (vocal fold paralysis, nodules, polyps, neurological voice disorders), swallowing disorders, care of the professional voice and most general ENT problems."
Can you tell us more about vocal fold paralysis?
Some background: Vocal fold paralysis is when one or both of the vocal folds become immobile, causing trouble with the voice or swallowing, according to CEENTA.
An expert take: "Vocal fold paralysis leaves the patient with a hoarse and sometimes breathy voice that can be very debilitating. It is not very common but can occur from a variety of issues including viruses, neurological disorders, neck surgeries or neck trauma to name a few common causes.
- Treatment may range from voice therapy and strengthening exercises to various surgeries to augment the vocal fold or reposition the vocal fold."
What brought you to Charlotte?
"I came to the Charlotte area in 2002 right after finishing my fellowship in voice and swallowing disorders. We moved here because there were no subspeciality trained ENT doctors for voice issues (laryngologist) in the Charlotte region. At that time, the closest fellowship trained laryngologist was at WFU, 90 minutes away."
- Dr. Klotz now practices at CEENTA's SouthPark office.
What do you like to do in your free time?
"I love spending time with my family, fly fishing and mountain biking."
The takeaway: Whatever your needs may be, Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Associates provides best-in-class, comprehensive voice and swallowing care.
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