Voice Analysis
During or before your visit to the Evelyn Trammell
Voice and Swallowing Center, you will complete
a detailed medical history that includes several
questions about how
you use your voice and the environment in
which you live and work. If you are a professionally
trained vocalist, questions also will be asked
about your voice training.
A voice analysis will be performed to obtain a
“picture” of the acoustic parameters
of your speaking and singing voice, including
pitch, loudness, and vocal stability. The
measurements obtained from the acoustic analysis
help provide an objective measurement of the severity
of the voice problem and also aids in treatment
planning.
Medical/Physical Examination
The physician performs a physical
examination of the head and neck including mouth,
ears, nose, sinuses, throat and larynx.
Includes assessment of the nerves and muscles
that control speech and swallowing, vision, hearing,
and facial movements.
Indirect Laryngeal Mirror Examination:
The indirect examination is a common and simple
way to visualize the larynx. Your physician
will hold your tongue and place a small mirror
into the mouth which allows the larynx to be seen.
Flexible Nasal Endoscopy:
A small tube is placed through the nose which
is then passed into the back of the throat to
observe the larynx and airway. Prior to
insertion of the small, flexible tube, your physician
may use a nasal decongestant or topical anesthetic
to numb the nasal passages. The flexible
scope allows for more close-up and dynamic observation
of the larynx.
Direct Laryngoscopy With or Without Videostroboscopy:
A laryngoscopy, using either a rigid or flexible
scope allows for more detailed examination of
the larynx, including function of the vocal folds.
The laryngoscope is a thin instrument connected
to a camera which allows a close up view of the
larynx and vocal folds. Sometimes a strobe
light is used in conjunction with the camera to
allow for better evaluation of vocal fold function
or movement. Since the vocal folds move
too rapidly in “real time” for the
naked eye to see, the strobe light slows the image
of the vibrating folds down to be able to visualize
and interpret.
Voice Therapy
Many conditions can be treated through
voice therapy, a form of physical therapy for
the voice. Conducted by a licensed, certified
speech pathologist with special interest and expertise
in the treatment of voice disorders, treatment
may include exercises for strengthening and improving
the use of the voice, which may also eliminate
habits causing voice misuse or overuse.
A typical course of behavioral voice therapy consists
of eight to ten sessions over a period of four
to six weeks, although actual duration and intensity
of therapy varies based on the individual and
the voice disorder.
Voice/singing training – If
the cause of a voice problem is related to poor
singing technique, voice lessons with a professional
singing teacher or voice coach can be helpful.
The speech pathologist or physician assists in
identifying an appropriate voice coach and collaborates,
as needed, to design an effective treatment plan.
