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.
