The University Clinical Center Tuzla marked World Voice Day on April 16 through a series of activities organized by the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of voice health, timely diagnosis, and prevention of laryngeal diseases.
The event was organized in cooperation with the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, the Association of ENT Schools Tuzla – ENT School Tuzla, and the ENT Department of the University of Tuzla Faculty of Medicine.
The program featured professional lectures, preventive examinations, and educational activities designed to inform and engage citizens through open dialogue and counseling.
The central event took place in the amphitheater of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, where representatives of the organizing institutions addressed attendees. A particularly moving highlight of the celebration was a performance by a choir of laryngectomized patients, symbolizing resilience and the power of rehabilitation.
Acting Head of the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Majda Mujić, specialist in otolaryngology, emphasized the importance of continuous preventive and educational efforts. She noted that early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes for patients with laryngeal diseases.
President of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, Dr. Lejla Tokić, specialist in otorhinolaryngology, expressed her gratitude to all participants and guests for the exceptional attendance and support shown during the event.
“The voice is a fundamental part of each individual’s identity and communication, and it requires continuous care. By marking World Voice Day, we aim to emphasize the importance of proper voice use and regular preventive examinations. Any hoarseness lasting longer than three to four weeks should be evaluated by an otorhinolaryngologist, as it may be an early sign of serious conditions, including laryngeal cancer, the incidence of which is unfortunately increasing.
It is essential to follow the principles of ‘vocal hygiene’- avoiding excessive strain, not raising the voice unnecessarily, and adapting voice use to professional demands. Regular check- ups and the elimination of risk factors, particularly smoking, are also crucial. Additionally, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, throat discomfort, or breathing difficulties should not be ignored and require timely specialist evaluation.
Special attention must also be given to the rehabilitation of patients after surgical procedures. A multidisciplinary approach plays a key role in improving quality of life and facilitating a return to daily activities,” emphasized Dr. Tokić.
She further highlighted that a modern approach to treatment involves not only timely diagnostics but also continuous rehabilitation and comprehensive patient support. On this occasion, she expressed her sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, Director of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, for his ongoing support to oncology patients.
Expert lectures held as part of the World Voice Day program were delivered by Dr. Alen Harčinović, specialist in otorhinolaryngology, who presented the lecture “When to See a Doctor for Hoarseness,” and Assoc. Prof. Jasmina Kabil, speech therapist, with the lecture “Mirror of the Soul- Practical Care and Health of the Human Voice.”
A particularly meaningful segment of the program was the performance by a choir of laryngectomized patients, realized with the professional support of speech therapist Assoc. Prof. Mirsada Korlatović. This performance carried strong symbolic and rehabilitative significance, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in postoperative recovery, patient rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into everyday life.
As part of the celebration, free preventive examinations were organized for citizens,without the need for a referral, at the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery.
The activities continued at Trg slobode, where doctors and medical staff, together with association members, provided citizens with guidance on proper voice use and preservation. The event was further supported by students from the University of Tuzla, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, as well as students from secondary medical schools in Tuzla and Lukavac.
