Bhubaneswar 7th Feb: The three-day 20th National Phono Surgery Conference, Phonocon 2025, organised by the Association of Phono Surgeons of India (APSI), was inaugurated here on Friday, drawing over 400 voice specialists, surgeons, speech therapists, and students from across the country.
Addressing media, APSI President and HoD ENT Department at KIMS, Prof. Dr. Kabikanta Samantaray, stated that this is the third time the conference is being hosted in Odisha. The event will feature discussions, workshops, and live surgeries for postgraduate students in the ENT department, focusing on voice disorders and their treatment.
Dr. Samantaray emphasised the impact of excessive talking on vocal health, which can lead to voice changes. He advised individuals to avoid unnecessary strain on their vocal cords and prioritize vocal hygiene. As a preventive measure, he recommended brushing twice daily and gargling with warm water.
Well-known phono surgeon and APSI Founder President Dr. V. Phanindra Kumar from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, described Odisha as the birthplace of phono surgery, as it was in Cuttack where it was first demonstrated.
Conference Organizing Secretary Dr. Khageswar Raut highlighted the crucial role of voice in personal and professional communication. He dispelled the myth that voice is purely a natural gift, emphasizing that surgical interventions can correct voice disorders. He also warned against the adverse effects of tobacco, gutkha, and smoking on vocal health, which can lead to voice deterioration and breathing difficulties.
The press meet was attended by Secretary Dr. Alok Karolkar, among others.
