Constant Loss of Voice

[JPeat]

Hi, I'm in my first year of teaching and am suffering from really swollen vocal chords. I've seen an ENT specialist and have been given exercises to do but they don't seem to be helping. I've been following all of the usual advice - drinking plenty of water, avoiding caffeine / alcohol, resting my voice when I can, steam inhalation, avoiding acid reflux but it only seems to be getting worse.This has been the case for around a year now. It's really affecting my confidence in school as well as speaking one to one with anyone on a day to day basis.  I'm really running out of ideas and it seems to be something that will never go away! I was wondering if anyone has similar problems / can shed some light?
Thanks

[friggy]

Sometimes "functional dysphonia" can be treated with massage, but the speech pathologist will know more.  A resource is "Change Your Voice, Change Your Life" by Morton Cooper.  I had the same problem as a teacher, turned out I was talking at the wrong pitch.  Had to reset the following school year, with a summer to get used to talking at a higher pitch.  Good luck.

[Chana Lerner, AuD]

A consultation with a certified speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice therapy is recommended. They will recommend various techniques to assist you and provide relief to your situation.