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J Speech Lang Hear Res 2020 Jun 24:1-9. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Purpose Previous studies have reported that voice therapy via telepractice is useful for patients with nodules and muscle tension dysphonia. Nevertheless, telepractice for elderly patients with voice disorders has not yet been investigated. We conducted this study to examine the hypothesis that voice therapy via telepractice is not inferior to conventional voice therapy. Read More

Radiographics 2020 May-Jun;40(3):775-790

From the Department of Imaging, University College London Hospitals, London, England (T.B., S.M.); Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, 330 Gray's Inn Road, Kings Cross, London WC1X 8DA, England (V.M.T.); and Serviço de Radiologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal (M.H.).

Although US is one of the most used modalities for head and neck imaging, its use in the diagnosis of laryngeal abnormalities is much less widespread. The standard assessment of laryngeal abnormalities currently involves direct laryngoscopy and cross-sectional imaging (either CT or MRI) but rarely US. US is readily available, noninvasive, and radiation free, and it allows real-time imaging (with video for dynamic assessment), higher resolution than that of cross-sectional imaging, and the performance of targeted fine needle aspiration cytology or biopsy. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Apr 30. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Pasterova 2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.

Purpose: To compare the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety among patients with vocal fold (VF) nodules, polyps and edema. At the same time the aim was to analyse association between severity of distress and the level of vocal handicap as well as to identify other factors related to severity of depression and anxiety in these patients.

Methods: To all participants were given five questionnaires: (1) questionnaire on socio-demographic and some other characteristics of patient; (2) Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI); (3) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 1 (State Anxiety); (4) STAI 2 (Trait Anxiety); and (5) Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10. Read More

Laryngoscope 2020 Apr 28. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: Create an autonomous computational system to classify endoscopy findings.

Study Design: Computational analysis of vocal fold images at an academic, tertiary-care laryngology practice.

Methods: A series of normal and abnormal vocal fold images were obtained from the image database of an academic tertiary care laryngology practice. Read More

J Voice 2020 Mar 23. Epub 2020 Mar 23.

Brazilian Red Cross Hospital, Branch of Paraná, Lauro Grein Study Center, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Introduction: The examination of the larynx with indirect visualization is one of a series of steps in otorhinolaryngological evaluation. In the past this exam was performed more commonly with mirrors and headlights, but for at least the last four decades physicians have resorted to assessing the laryngopharynx with both rigid and fiberoptic instruments. The rigid 70° laryngoscope is the most used in our practice, its main drawback being the time-consuming resterilization process needed between scope usages in different patients. Read More

Laryngoscope 2020 Feb 18. Epub 2020 Feb 18.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Objectives/hypothesis: To develop a deep-learning-based computer-aided diagnosis system for distinguishing laryngeal neoplasms (benign, precancerous lesions, and cancer) and improve the clinician-based accuracy of diagnostic assessments of laryngoscopy findings.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: A total of 24,667 laryngoscopy images (normal, vocal nodule, polyps, leukoplakia and malignancy) were collected to develop and test a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based classifier. Read More

J Speech Lang Hear Res 2020 02 29;63(2):372-384. Epub 2020 Jan 29.

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

Purpose Previous work using ambulatory voice recordings has shown no differences in average vocal behavior between patients with phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction and matched controls. This study used larger groups to replicate these results and expanded the analysis to include distributional characteristics of ambulatory voice use and measures indicative of glottal closure. Method Subjects included 180 adult women: 90 diagnosed with vocal fold nodules or polyps and 90 age-, sex-, and occupation-matched controls with no history of voice disorders. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020 Mar 21;162(3):322-325. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) in patients with chronic cough over a 1-year period.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Tertiary academic medical center. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2020 Jan 4;14(1). Epub 2020 Jan 4.

Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Background: Among the most common benign laryngeal lesions are vocal nodules and polyps. Their etiology is related to vocal abuse. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition presenting with a broad spectrum of symptoms, among which are extraesophageal manifestations such as laryngeal polyps. Read More

J Voice 2019 Dec 16. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Objective: Cepstrum-based voice measures, such as smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), are influenced by voice sound pressure level (SPL) in vocally healthy adults. Since it is unclear if similar effects hold in voice disordered adults and how these interact with natural fundamental frequency (f) changes, this study examines voice SPL and f effects on CPPS in women with vocal hyperfunction and vocally healthy controls.

Study Design: Retrospective matched case-control study. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Oct 19;71(Suppl 1):327-332. Epub 2018 Mar 19.

Department of ENT, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India.

Benign vocal cord mass lesions are common causes of dysphonia which are often surgically correctable. They include lesions like vocal polyps, vocal cysts, vocal nodules and Reinke's edema. A prospective study of 30 patients was carried out at SMS medical college and hospital between April 2014 to November 2015 after institutional ethical committee clearance. Read More

Clin Otolaryngol 2019 11 11;44(6):975-982. Epub 2019 Sep 11.

Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Objective: Increasing evidence supports that auditory feedback of one's own voice closely relates to real-time adjustments of vocal control. Previous studies highlighted that the low-frequency modulations of below 3 Hz (LFM) embedded in vocal fundamental frequency (F0) showed a reflex-like response to altered auditory inputs. However, the auditory feedback control of different vocal disorders remains unclear. Read More

J Voice 2019 Jul 22. Epub 2019 Jul 22.

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Crete, Iraklion, Greece.

Background: Voice disorders influence the quality of people's life. When the type of disorder is determined then the clinicians are capable of finding their patients' needs and address their complaints concerning their vocal problems. One of the most used tools, for assessing the patients' quality of life (in accordance with their vocal status), is the Voice Handicap Index. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Oct 4;125:147-152. Epub 2019 Jul 4.

Department of Audiology and Communication Disorders, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Objective: Despite the fact that vocal nodules are the most common cause of chronic dysphonia in children, uncertainty and lack of consensus complicates practically every diagnostic and management decision. Selecting an optimal staging system is fundamental to understanding a disease process, mandatory for uniform reporting, and crucial to predicting natural history and treatment outcomes. The ideal prognostic model for vocal nodules is under intense debate. Read More

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2019 Aug 11;52(4):657-668. Epub 2019 May 11.

Pediatric Otolaryngology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington, 2L, Hartford, CT 06106, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, CT, USA. Electronic address:

Dysphonia is common in pediatrics and affects individuals from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dysphonia has a variable impact on children, ranging from no impact to a severe social barrier. Although most etiologies are benign, potentially life-threatening causes must be ruled out by direct examination of the larynx. Read More

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2019 Aug 8;52(4):745-757. Epub 2019 May 8.

Rush University Medical Center, 1611 West Harrison, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Electronic address:

Benign laryngeal lesions are often the result of phonotraumatic forces on the vocal folds and thus classically are treated with a combination of voice therapy and phonomicrosurgical techniques to minimize inadvertent additional trauma. Newer management strategies expand on these techniques with the use of the pKTP laser as well as intralesional injections, both in the operating room and in the awake outpatient setting. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Jun;27(3):185-190

Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.

Purpose Of Review: Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) cause dysphonia by preventing full vocal fold closure, interrupting vibratory characteristics and increasing compensatory muscle tension. Management includes phonosurgery, voice therapy, pharmacological treatment or more commonly a combination of these interventions. This review aims to present current perspectives on the management of BVFLs, particularly exploring the role of voice therapy. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 09 20;129(9):E329-E341. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Study Group of the Young Otorhinolaryngologists of International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), Marseille, France.

Objectives: To investigate the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the development of benign lesions of the vocal folds (BLVF).

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched by three independent investigators for articles published between January 1990 and November 2018 providing substantial information about the role of LPR in the development of nodules, polyps, cysts, Reinke's edema, and sulcus vocalis. Inclusion, exclusion, diagnostic criteria and clinical outcome evaluation of included studies were analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Read More

J Voice 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.

Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL), including nodules, polyps, and cysts, are the most common etiology of dysphonia in the pediatric population. Voice surveys, such as the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (PVHI), have become instrumental in the evaluation and monitoring of pediatric patients with dysphonia; however the symptom profiles reported in surveys have not yet been well correlated to specific etiologies for dysphonia. In a retrospective chart review of 95 patients with PVHI surveys and laryngoscopic exams, we sought to correlate the PVHI results with findings of BVFL. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019 Mar;128(3_suppl):7S-24S

1 Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Background:: Since the renowned opera maestro Manuel Garcia presented "Observations on the Human Voice" using mirror laryngoscopy in 1855, there has been an inextricable link between performing vocalists and laryngologists. Today, specialized laryngeal surgeons continue the tradition of integrating medical and surgical management of performers with those skilled in vocal arts, voice science, and voice therapy. With advances in surgical instrumentation and techniques, increasing opportunities have evolved to surgically restore lost performing voices. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Mar;98(9):e14491

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference and correlation between the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) and the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP) among teachers.The participants were 672 teachers (218 males and 454 females, male-to-female ratio = 0.48:1) whose vocal cords were examined using a Strobolaryngoscope. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2019 Dec 31;39(6):381-388. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.

Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Jan 14;23(1):116-124. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.

 Vocal fold polyps are one of the most frequent benign laryngeal lesions, impacting the quality of life of those affected by them, primarily the vocal production. Despite being a well-established therapy in conjunction with surgery, speech therapy alone may also be effective in treating these lesions. As such, otolaryngologists and speech therapists need updated bibliographic knowledge on the issue. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 09 21;129(9):2131-2138. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

USC Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Objectives: To review available information regarding in-office procedures for benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL).

Methods: PubMed term search on office/awake laryngeal procedures for any of the following specific lesions: Reinke's edema (RE), polyps, nodules, varices, vocal process granuloma, and vocal fold (VF) scar.

Results: In-office ablative and nonablative laser procedures have been described for BVFL, including RE, polyps, varices, and granuloma. Read More

J Voice 2019 Nov 24;33(6):945.e1-945.e18. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.

Objectives: This systematic review examined the evidence linking vocal nodule development in children to personality traits, psychological factors, and associated behavioral tendencies.

Methods: Four electronic databases-PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO Host-as well as the reference lists from articles (including online sources) were searched. After screening for relevance, eight comparative, case-control studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2018 Oct;38(5):424-430

Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

The aim of our study was to compare socio-demographic characteristics of vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema. The study included patients diagnosed for the first time with vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema at the Communication Disorders Care Center of Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. Diagnosis was made on the basis of symptoms, clinical otorhinolaryngological and phoniatric examination and endovideolaryngostroboscopic findings. Read More

Pathol Res Pract 2019 Jan 10;215(1):144-150. Epub 2018 Nov 10.

Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.

Objective: The aim of the study was to perform a pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis of squamous cell (SC) carcinogenesis markers on epithelial linings of vocal cord polyps. The vocal box, being a heavily burdened organ with intensive cell renewal and regenerative processes, is therefore a favourable environment for constant epithelial growth and hyperplasia. In our ongoing projects on laryngeal carcinogenesis and research on laryngeal tissue, we encountered atypia on diagnosed nodules and polyps that are usually considered as benign formations, resulting from the above-mentioned cell renewal and regeneration, which lead to further investigation. Read More

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2018 Mar-Apr;56(211):658-661

Department of ENT-HNS, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Introduction: The term 'voice' is the acoustic energy generated from the vocal tract that are characterized by their dependence on vocal fold vibratory pattern. Teachers as professional voice users are afflicted with dysphonia and are discouraged with their jobs and seek alternative employment. Loud speaking and voice straining may lead to vocal fatigue and vocal fold tissue damage. Read More

J Voice 2020 Mar 23;34(2):289-293. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Aydin University, Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey.

In Reinke's space of human vocal fold, type III collagen forms a three dimensional network and this contains numerous minute chambers in between these fibers. These compartments are occupied by glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. In laryngeal fold lesions, such as Reinke's edema and vocal fold polyps, proteoglycan (PG)/hyaluronic acid (HA) components of extracellular matrix increased. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Dec 22;275(12):3033-3037. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Department of Otolaryngology, Selcuk University Medical School, Alaeddin Keykubad Campus, 42075 Yeni Istanbul caddesi, Konya, Turkey.

Purpose: To evaluate upper esophageal sphincter (UES) activity in patients with benign glottic lesions.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with benign vocal fold (VF) lesions scheduled for manometric evaluation were enrolled as the study group (SG); 20 healthy subjects without vocal pathology or dysphagia were included as the control group (CG). UES residual, basal, relaxation time and peak pharyngeal pressures were evaluated by manometry. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 11 6;128(11):2593-2599. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Department of Otolaryngology, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.

Objectives/hypothesis: Vocal fold polyps and nodules are common benign laryngeal lesions. Currently, the Japanese health insurance system covers surgical interventions. However, the establishment of more cost-effective conservative methods is required, because healthcare costs are viewed as a major concern, and the government and taxpayers are demanding more economical, effective treatments. Read More

J Voice 2020 01 1;34(1):150-151. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Laboratory of Phonetics, Faculty of Psychology, Research Institute for Language Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Liège, School of Medicine, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium.

Adv Ther 2018 07 15;35(7):1069-1086. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.

Introduction: Functional and organic impairments of the singing voice are common career-threatening problems of singers presenting in phoniatric and laryngological departments. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of phonosurgery, logopedic voice treatment and vocal pedagogy in common organic and functional voice problems of singers, including investigation of the recently introduced parameter vocal extent measure (VEM).

Methods: In a prospective clinical study, the analysis of treatment outcome in 76 singers [57 female, 19 male; 38 ± 11 years (mean ± SD)] was based on pre- and post-therapeutic voice function diagnostics and videolaryngostroboscopy. Read More

J Voice 2019 Sep 5;33(5):708-711. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of dysphagia in patients presenting with dysphonia and diagnosed with non-neoplastic vocal fold pathology.

Methods: A total of 45 patients presenting with dysphonia and diagnosed with non-neoplastic vocal fold pathology and a control group matched according to age and gender were included. Patients with recent history of respiratory tract infection, laryngeal surgery or manipulation, neurologic disorders, head and neck tumors, or history of chemotherapy/radiotherapy were excluded. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 04;144(4):342-348

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Importance: It is important that clinicians understand consequences of thyoridectomy on swallowing from the patient perspective to better care for this population.

Objective: Using rigorous qualitative methodology, this study set out to characterize the effect of swallowing-related symptoms after thyroidectomy on patient quality of life and swallowing-related outcomes.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Prospective, grounded theory analysis of interviews with 26 patients at 3 time points after thyroidectomy (2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months). Read More

Logoped Phoniatr Vocol 2019 Jul 10;44(2):73-78. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

a Audiology and Phoniatrics Clinic , Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing , Warsaw , Poland.

Introduction: The diagnostic procedure of phonation is dominated by subjective assessment tools. It seems reasonable to seek methods of quantitative glottal cycle assessment.

Objective: The aim of our study was the analysis of open quotients (OQ) of the glottis. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Jan 25;104:19-24. Epub 2017 Oct 25.

Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Voice Research Laboratory, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Electronic address:

Objective: The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the English version of pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI) into Mandarin Chinese.
 METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed from May 2016 to April 2017. A total of 367 parents participated in this study, and 338 parents completed the translated questionnaire without missing data, including 213 parents of children with voice disorders (patients group), and 125 parents of children without voice disorders (control group). Read More

Med Probl Perform Art 2017 12;32(4):187-194

Dep. of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. Tel +4930 450 555 402, fax +4930 450 555 931.

There are few data demonstrating the specific extent to which surgical intervention for vocal fold nodules (VFN) improves vocal function in professional (PVU) and non-professional voice users (NVU). The objective of this study was to compare and quantify results after phonomicrosurgery for VFN in these patient groups.

Methods: In a prospective clinical study, surgery was performed via microlaryngoscopy in 37 female patients with chronic VFN manifestations (38±12 yrs, mean±SD). Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 05 6;128(5):1170-1175. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to understand current protocols for voice rest implemented by laryngologists immediately after phonomicrosurgery for benign vocal fold lesions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods: A 24-item survey was sent via electronic mail to laryngologists across the country to gather data on their recommendations of type and dosage of voice rest, factors involved in this decision, and recommendations for other behavioral modifications. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Dec;25(6):453-458

aDepartment of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmarybDivision of Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's HospitalcDepartment of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The management of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) continues to evolve. This article will review the recent literature surrounding the nomenclature, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of BVFLs, including polyps, nodules, cysts, and reactive lesions.

Recent Findings: The taxonomy of vocal fold lesions has been refined, and it serves as a common descriptive language for diagnosis, treatment algorithms, and reporting of outcomes. Read More

J Voice 2018 Nov 10;32(6):770.e21-770.e30. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the internal and external responsiveness of the Persian version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (called ATSHA), Persian version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Praat scales among patients with vocal mass lesions and secondary muscle tension dysphonia.

Study Design: Prospective, within-participant repeated measures.

Method: Thirty patients with vocal fold nodules, polyps, and cysts related to secondary muscle tension dysphonia participated in the study. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2017 Aug;37(4):286-294

ENT Audiology Phoniatrics Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Pisa, Italy.

The purpose of this study is to understand if there is any alteration in the posture of patients affected by organic dysphonia and describe possible postural modifications after phonomicrosurgery on the vocal folds. Forty subjects (22 males, 18 females; mean age 32.6 ± 7. Read More

Auris Nasus Larynx 2018 Aug 31;45(4):661-666. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.

Objective: To update our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for the treatment of vocal disturbance associated with benign vocal fold lesions, including vocal polyps, nodules and cysts, and for determining the utility of voice therapy in treating organic voice disorders, while highlighting problems for the future development of this clinical field.

Methods: We conducted a review of the most recent literature on the therapeutic effects of voice therapy, vocal hygiene education or direct vocal training on vocal quality, the lesion appearance and discomfort felt by patients due to the clinical entity of benign vocal fold mass lesions.

Results: Although voice therapy is principally indicated for the treatment of functional dysphonia without any organic abnormalities in the vocal folds, a number of clinicians have attempted to perform voice therapy even in dysphonic patients with benign mass lesions in the vocal folds. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 11 22;157(5):824-829. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

1 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, USA.

Objective To evaluate the voice outcomes of adults diagnosed with vocal fold nodules (VFNs) as children and to assess the impact of speech therapy on long-term voice outcomes. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Large health care system. Read More

Rev Med Suisse 2016 Oct;12(533):1661-1664

Unité de phoniatrie et de logopédie, Service d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.

The vocal cord or vocal fold is a remarkable structure, capable to support significant physical constraints. When the voice malmenage becomes chronic, it may appear an organic alteration causing nodules, polyps or Reinke edema even a lesion of the posterior glottis, the granuloma. These lesions are benign but lead to dysphonia that can be invalidating. Read More

J Voice 2018 May 9;32(3):386.e1-386.e9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of voice therapy on patients with voice disorders by comparing the acoustic parameter changes before and after treatment.

Study Design: This is a retrospective study.

Methods: Forty-five female patients with early-stage vocal nodules or polyps, postoperative patients, and patients with chronic laryngitis were divided into three subgroups. Read More

J Voice 2018 Mar 18;32(2):162-168. Epub 2017 May 18.

Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, 11th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts.

Objective: In vocally healthy children and adults, speaking voice loudness differences can significantly confound acoustic perturbation measurements. This study examines the effects of voice sound pressure level (SPL) on jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) in adults with voice disorders and a control group with normal vocal status.

Study Design: This is a matched case-control study. Read More

J Voice 2018 Jan 6;32(1):38-44. Epub 2017 Apr 6.

Department of Speech Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: An important domain in health-related quality of life evaluations is quality of life perceptions due to having a voice disorder. The purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the correlation of the Iranian Voice Quality of Life Profile (IVQLP) with the Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) for establishing the construct convergent validity of the IVQLP, and (2) to examine the correlation between VRQOL and VHI-30.

Methods: Study sample consisted of 150 patients, 91 male and 59 female, diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia, benign organic disorders such as polyps and nodules, and unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2017 Apr;31(7):520-523

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan,528000,China.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the risk factors which affect the exposure of glottis in suspension laryngoscopy.We performed a prospective study about 90 cases of vocal cord lesions underwent microlaryngosurgery(including polyps,vocal nodules,cyst and papilloma).Then we recorded the clinical data related to glottic exposure, both preoperatively and intraoperatively. Read More

Open Med (Wars) 2016 26;11(1):63-67. Epub 2016 Mar 26.

TChildren's Hospital, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Paediatric otolaryngology departament; Santariskiu g. 7, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania.

Tuberculosis is still the most frequent granulomatous laryngeal disease. Absence of pathognomonic symptoms and change in clinical pattern frequently leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Hoarseness is the commonest symptom of laryngeal tuberculosis and constitutional symptoms are usually rare. Read More