2009 Volume 50 Issue 2 Pages 144-152
Voice disorders are very common in clinical practice. At the Saida Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, in the past three years we examined 4,355 outpatient cases of voice disorders. We undertook voice analysis by examining the larynx by videostroboscope.
The following approaches were performed successfully.
1. We performed the examinations using a videostroboscope, a new type of stroboscope attracting much attention that uses an LED as its light source. We compared this method against the conventional xenon-based equipment used until now, and concluded that LED-based stroboscopy has outstanding prospects.
Diagnosis of voice disorders requires precise examination of the vocal folds. Stroboscopic examination is highly useful for observing vocal-fold vibrations in detail. When classifying vocal-fold diseases, differences between available examination methods and the use or non-use of stroboscopy must be considered.
2. In clinical practice, it is important to listen to the patient’s voice from a professional perspective, without relying on examination equipment. When analyzing the voice, consideration must be paid to the environment in which the patient uses his or her voice.
3. The newly developed system using a strain gage to check respiratory movement in real time was demonstrated as being effective for use in voice therapy. As examination results can be shown on the computer screen simultaneously, this visual feedback enables various types of voice training to be performed successfully.
