For the first time, Google CEO Larry Page publicly discussed the root of his voice problems. He said it's caused by a nerve problem that has affected him for 14 years.
In a post on his Google account, Page said Tuesday he is recovering from vocal cord paralysis stemming from a nerve issue. The paralysis prevented his left vocal cord from moving properly, he said.
While he said the disorder never really affected him other than having a softer voice than normal, but then last summer, his right vocal cord also was affected. The 40-year-old Page said his recovery has gone well.
"Thankfully, after some initial recovery I'm fully able to do all I need to at home and at work, though my voice is softer than before. And giving long monologues is more tedious for me and probably the audience," he wrote.
"But overall over the last year there has been some improvement with people telling me they think I sound better. Vocal cord nerve issues can also affect your breathing, so my ability to exercise at peak aerobic capacity is somewhat reduced."
Page's recovery caused him to miss public appearances and earnings calls during the last year and spurred speculation that Page's health condition could be more serious than he let on.
Page said he has "arranged to fund a significant research program" through the Voice Health Institute," and he encouraged others with the rare disorder to participate in a survey to gather more information about it.