Voice evaluation – contribution of the speech-language pathologist voice specialist – SLP-V: part A. History of the problem and vocal behaviour data, self-assessment and auditory perceptual judgement

Abstract

The human voice is the product of a sophisticated interaction of aerodynamic and myoelastic forces, a perceptual phenomenon that is greatly influenced by vocal behaviour in interpersonal relationships. Vocal problems can be overly complex and can require a team approach, whether for diagnosis or treatment of the patient. This article describes the contribution of the speech-language pathologist, voice specialist SLP-V in the assessment of patients with vocal complaints. A clinical evaluation proposal developed in a 40- to 60-min session is presented. This proposal consists of the following steps: the history of the problem; the patient self-assessment; the auditory perceptual judgement and acoustic analysis; the physical examination; and finally, the correlation of all previously described steps with the medical diagnosis. Part A of this text explores the history of the problem with the focus to determine the influence of the vocal behaviour on the case; the self-assessment of the impact of the voice problem to verify the patient experience in living and coping with dysphonia; and the auditory perceptual judgement to describe the type and degree of vocal deviation. Worldwide published tendencies and specific comments of each step highlight the role of the SLP-V.