The UEP Voice Box

Episode 10: FGF Therapy in Voice Regeneration with Dr. Shigeru Hirano - The Next Chapter and Beyond We're excited to share the latest episode of the UEP Voice Box podcast! In our 10th episode, host Dr. Shiying Hey chats with Dr. Shigeru Hirano, Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. Professor Hirano joins us from Japan to discuss his innovative work with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) for vocal fold regeneration. This treatment was originally developed for skin regeneration, but he pioneered its use in treatments for voice disorders. This regenerative approach represents a breakthrough for patients, offering new hope where traditional treatments have fallen short. The episode explores the evolution of regenerative medicine in laryngology, as Professor Hirano shares insights into current research plus the exciting possibilities and challenges that lie ahead in this field. "We didn't have any good treatments for atrophy or scar one or two decades ago," Dr. Hirano notes, "But now everything has changed, and the regenerative approach is now possible." While acknowledging that regenerative medicine still has limitations, he believes it represents a true breakthrough in 21st-century treatment for patients with severe vocal disorders. This episode is particularly relevant for clinicians treating increasingly aged populations, where vocal fold atrophy, sulcus, and scarring are becoming more common. +++ Update: We've expanded our podcasts on several platforms and are thrilled that our network of listeners around the world is growing. As of this episode, you have tuned in from over 65 countries! Thank you for your presence and continued support. Please do share the podcast, leave a comment below, or rate us to let us know your feedback. Visit www.uepvoicebox.com to hear the conversation and learn from more renowned guests on The UEP Voice Box. 

Introducing: The Artistic Voice 📣 A brand new sub-series from THE UEP VOICE BOX dedicated to the science and care of the performer’s vocal instrument.   We launch with a powerhouse episode: "When Performing Arts Meets Medicine," featuring the unique insights of Dr. Lance Maron—renowned laryngologist and performing artist in South Africa. If you care for a voice, perform with a voice, or teach a voice, this is where the conversation starts. Listen now! 🔗 https://www.uepvoicebox.com/e/when-surgeons-meet-stage-caring-for-the-performer-s-voice/ The UEP Voice Box is a Podcast by the Union of European Phoniatricians (UEP), hosted by Dr. Shiying Hey, and produced in Germany by Nikki Martinez and Heywire Studios.  #Podcast #TheArtisticVoice #DrLanceMaron #VocalPerformance #Phoniatrics #NewEpisode#UEPVoiceBox #UEP #Phoniatricians #VOICE #voicebox   

  Welcome to the second episode of our special series, The Artistic Voice! This is a sub-series of the UEP Voice Box exploring the care, challenges, and science behind the professional voice.   Today, we are joined by Professor Kittie Verdolini-Abbott, a world leader in voice science, vocal pedagogy, and a distinguished clinician-scientist. Drawing on her unique journey from professional singer to pioneering researcher, Professor Verdolini-Abbott offers a rare integration of artistry, physiology, and behavioural science.   The conversation explores how performers can safely approach vocal extremes, explaining why pushing pitch, loudness, or intensity places the voice at biomechanical boundaries—and how technique, training, and restraint are essential for vocal longevity.   She also challenges traditional ideas around voice rest, sharing compelling research showing how specific vocal exercises, particularly gentle high-pitch and resonant activation, can actively reduce inflammation and support vocal fold healing.   Moving beyond acute injury, the episode examines chronic vocal conditions. She asks questions such as, how might behavioural voice therapy help prevent further damage while supporting healthier tissue remodelling over time?   This discussion challenges us to rethink vocal training through the lens of motor learning!   We hope you enjoy this episode of the UEP Voicebox, essential listening for performers, voice teachers, speech and language therapists, and clinicians interested in sustainable voice use grounded in the latest scientific research.  

Join us on the latest episode of the UEP Voicebox as we welcome Dr. Peak Woo from New York City. One of the world's leading experts in laryngology, Dr. Woo shares his insights and experience with the innovative use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating vocal fold conditions. Learn how PRP, derived from a patient's own blood, can significantly enhance healing and regeneration, offering new hope for individuals with scarring and voice disorders. Dr. Woo discusses the potential benefits of PRP in improving phonatory ease and vocal quality, reshaping how we approach vocal care. Explore Dr. Woo's journey and his pioneering work in integrating regenerative medicine into laryngology, providing a firsthand perspective on future directions and advancements in voice treatment. +++   The UEP Voice Box is the official podcast of the Union of European Phoniatricians. It is hosted by Dr. Shiying Hey and produced by Nikki Martinez, with sound design by Heywire Studios.

The UEP Voice Box Episode 5: The Pleasure of Phonation with Professor Anne-Maria Laukkanen Today on the UEP Voice Box, we journey to Finland for a captivating conversation with Professor Anne-Maria Laukkanen, a distinguished speech techniques and vocology expert at the University of Tampere. With her extensive research on voice and acclaimed book, "The Wonderful Human Voice," Professor Laukkanen has been a pivotal figure in Finnish university speech therapy and vocology programs since 1999. Professor Laukkanen shares her journey in voice: from classical singing to becoming a renowned author and leading researcher in voice science.  Join our host Dr. Shiying Hey as she delves into the fascinating world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, with Professor Laukkanen. Together, they explore how these exercises improve voice production by reducing airflow and increasing air pressure, leading to a more efficient and economical sound production. Gain valuable tips on voice training, including boundary condition exercises and the importance of balancing phonation for effortless vocal performance. Learn practical exercises to incorporate into your daily routine for better vocal health. Our fifth episode, brought to you by DoctorVox, is a compelling exploration of the human voice, guided by Professor Laukkanen's expertise. Thank you for listening!

Nikki Martinez is an audio producer and voice artist helping the world's top wellness apps create calming audio experiences. After many years as a travel journalist, she went on a new journey on the path of voice and audio production. In this conversation with ENT surgeon and laryngologist Dr. Shiying Hey, Nikki explores the impact of voice on relationships and identity. They discuss how voice artists can care for their bodies and minds, plus the role of voice professionals in global wellness and the mental health space.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 The Power of Voice 03:08 Wellness Apps and the Voice 04:31 Impact of Voice 06:23 Early Experiences with Voice 07:20 Finding Calmness through Voice Work 08:18 Taking Care of the Professional Voice 09:46 Voice and Relationships 10:15 The Influence of Voice on Emotions 11:12 Voice Care Routine 18:17 Harnessing the Inner Voice 19:09 The Power of Choice 19:39 Closing Remarks

Episode 3: Vocal Health & Hygiene with Dr. Tiffiny Hron Dr. Tiffiny Hron is a laryngeal surgeon at the MGH Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation. In this episode of the UEP Voicebox, she discusses the diagnosis and treatment of voice problems in professional voice users and addresses common voice problems. Dr. Hron provides detailed recommendations for vocal hygiene and voice conservation, highlighting the importance of collaboration between laryngologists and speech-language pathologists.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Tiffiny Hron 07:41 Common Voice Problems: Inflammation, Acute Laryngitis, and Scarring 13:49 Muscle Tension in the Neck and Voice Change 25:00 Vocal Health Programs for Singers 29:41 Maintaining Vocal Health: Vocal Hygiene and Voice Conservation

Today, ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist Dr. Shiying Hey is joined by Dr. James Thomas, who shares his step-by-step approach to listening for and identifying voice disorders. What exactly happens during a vocal cord examination? Which three things can a surgeon listen for when diagnosing vocal polyps? And what should budding voice professionals know about better vocal health? Get the answers to these questions and more, in our second episode of the UEP Voice Box!   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:38 Interest in Voice Disorders 03:01 Identifying Voice Disorders 04:50 Listening to the Voice 06:17 Types of Voice Problems 07:15 Testing for Voice Problems 09:08 Approach for Identifying Voice Disorders 10:33 Demonstrating Vocal Range 12:02 Recording and Analyzing the Voice 13:56 Compensatory Behaviors 16:19 Identifying Helpful vs Problematic Compensation 18:45 Educating Doctors and Reporting Findings 19:42 Getting Close to the Vocal Cords 21:42 Tips for Budding Voice Professionals 22:37 Lifestyle Improvement for Voice Health 24:02 Dr. Thomas' Book and Resources 25:27 Closing Remarks

In the first episode of the UEP Voice Box podcast, internationally renowned laryngologist, Dr. Yakubu Karagama, discusses the superior laryngeal nerve. Also called the "forgotten" nerve, it is responsible for the color, beauty, and changes in pitch in the voice. He explores the causes and diagnosis of superior laryngeal nerve injury, as well as the impact it can have on professional voice users. Treatment options, including speech therapy and surgical procedures, are also discussed.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 08:30 Impact of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Injury on Professional Voice Users 16:21 Diagnosing and Treating Superior Laryngeal Nerve Injury 31:13 Conclusion and Course Information  

Welcome to the UEP Voice Box podcast! Today, we join Dr. Ahmed Geneid, ENT Phoniatrician at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland.    He speaks with our podcast host, ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist Dr. Shying Hey to introduce planned guests and exploring upcoming topics on the UEP Voice Box podcast.    The UEP Voice Box podcast is for anyone interested in voice, not just medical professionals. We will focus on the interests of voice professionals and voice users, and welcome our audience's participation in shaping future topics.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the UEP Voice Box Podcast 01:10 The Unique Point of the Podcast 02:25 Sneak Preview of Planned Guests 04:23 The UEP's Work with the WHO 07:07 Inviting Audience Participation 08:04 Closing Remarks

Blue Laser in Voice Surgery: Precision, Innovation & Outcomes with Prof. Markus Hess   What is blue laser and how are the world's top surgeons using it in voice surgery? In Episode 12 of The UEP Voice Box, Prof. Markus Hess shares his expert insights on the blue laser revolution and what's next for precision phonosurgery. Listen as our host Dr. Shiying Hey interviews Professor Markus Hess in Hamburg, about the evolution and clinical use of lasers in voice surgery, with a focus on the emergence and advantages of the blue laser. This in-depth conversation covers the evolution of blue laser, to precision and safety, to Prof. Hess' thoughts on the future of laser surgery adoption and AI. Learn about: The evolution of laser technology in voice surgery The emergence and unique advantages of blue laser systems How precision and safety are enhanced with this innovative approach Prof. Hess' expert perspectives on the future of laser surgery adoption The role of AI in advancing voice surgical techniques We hope you enjoy listening! If so, let us know in the comments below. Thank you for your continued support of the UEP Voicebox.  

Welcome to the UEP Voicebox! Today we are announcing a significant milestone in Prague this June. In this special episode, we chat with Dr. Haldun Oguz, Dr. Jan Bouchek, and Dr. Ahmed Geneid to discuss the highlights of the upcoming 31st Congress of the Union of the European Phoniatricians. This congress is dedicated to the fields of voice, swallowing, speech, language, and audiology. Hear the impressive lineup of speakers and the structured scientific program tailored for both experienced professionals and newcomers.  Join us as we prepare for an inspiring gathering where science meets tradition in one of Europe's most captivating cities. Prague holds historical significance for our Congress location, and we look forward to welcoming you there.

Welcome to the UEP Voice Box podcast! For our final episode of the year, we’re honored to host the esteemed Dr. Nupur Kapoor Narukar, a trailblazer in the field of voice care. In this conversation, Dr. Narukar reflects on her remarkable career, pioneering contributions to phonomicrosurgery, neuro-laryngology, and laser surgeries. She shares her journey into the world of laryngology with a fascinating look at the evolution of voice care in India. Dr. Narukar also envisions an exciting future for voice care in India, highlighting the importance of empowering female surgeons to shape the field further. This episode is dedicated to all exceptional laryngologists like Dr. Narukar, whose tireless efforts continue to transform voice care both locally and globally. Thank you for listening, and we can’t wait to bring you more Voice Box episodes from the UEP in 2025!