CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE FOR DYSPHONIA

Abstract

This guide is intended to provide recommendations based on scientific evidence, for dealing with dysphonia, defined as any alteration produced in the voice emission quality. Voice is estimated to be essential to one-third of the world’s workforce and even more so to those who use their voice as a work tool: 50% educators, 31% telephone operators.

The purpose of this document is to present a unified diagnostic procedure, which will allow optimization of time and resources for those using it, such as otolaryngologists, speech therapists and students of both careers. It targets the treatment of adults, regardless their occupation, who present any given type of dysphonia and to facilitate helpful information for the general audience about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of voice related affections.

The guide recommends a series of diagnostic denominations, proposes an exhaustive vocal anamnesis, describes diagnostic methods applied by otolaryngologists such as: the laryngoscopy, the videolaryngostroboscopy, the laryngeal videoendoscopy with rigid endoscope, direct laryngoscopy under microscope and those applied by speech therapists: perceptual assessment of voice (subjective) y acoustic assessment (objective).

Interdisciplinary approach (ENT and Speech Therapist) is recommended in patient's evaluation. If this were not an option, fluid interaction, video and graphic recording of the studies applied is advised.

Protocols of anamnesis, ENT laryngology voice evaluation and speech pathologists assessment are included.