On Tuesday, the head of Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) revealed that he suffers from a condition that sometimes restricts his ability to speak.

Larry Page, co-founder and CEO of the Internet search engine giant, informed followers of his Google+ account that the problem dates back to a severe cold he caught 14 years ago. Last year, Page lost his voice and missed two company events. He said that his left vocal cord has been paralyzed for years and that the condition was exacerbated when he caught a cold early last year.

Investors have expressed concerns about Page’s health, particularly in light of his absence at last year’s shareholder meeting, the Associated Press noted. The company has said publicly that Page’s health problems do not interfere with his ability to run the business.

While no specific diagnosis has been made by physicians to explain his condition, Page noted that he was previously found to suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an mild inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Page has participated in Google’s last three quarterly conference calls with investors, fielding questions and making lengthy remarks. While the condition has made his voice “softer than before” Page says that he remains capable to handling his responsibilities.

Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of rival technology firm Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) waged a prolonged, and largely undisclosed battle with cancer, succumbing to the disease in late 2011.

Shares of Google climbed more than 2% in Wednesday morning trading.