A Review of Voice Therapy Techniques Employed in Treatment of Dysphonia with and Without Vocal Fold Lesions

Abstract

The purpose of the review is to provide otolaryngologists a framework for understanding voice evaluation by speech-language pathologists and the voice therapy techniques they employ. Recent reports have demonstrated the efficacy of behavioral voice therapy in the management of a variety of types of dysphonia, including those associated with vocal fold lesions and those without. Otolaryngologists can be experts in managing specific laryngeal lesions to improve voice. However, not all voice problems have lesions amenable to surgical or medical therapies. Many are associated with maladaptive voicing behaviors. Speech-language pathologists can be experts in both the evaluation of vocal function and technique. They may employ a variety of techniques to improve vocal quality and function in patients with and without structural or neurologic laryngeal pathology. Otolaryngologists can partner to manage a constellation of voice problems with directed voice evaluation and therapy. A basic review of these techniques and this partnership with voice therapists is presented.