Effectiveness of Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Polyp

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of voice therapy for vocal fold polyp. Among 20 patients, 18 had chronic vocal abuse. In pre and post-voice therapy, G, R scale significantly improved and subjective symptoms improved in 90% of the patients. As to polyp size, the polyp disappeared in 5 patients, was reduced in 6 patients, and was unchanged in 9 patients. Patients with low perceptual score tended to demonstrate polyp disappearance or reduction, and this was the tendency also with edematous polyps around which a mucosal wave was detected. These results suggest that voice therapy might be tried before an operation in patients having chronic vocal abuse, low perceptual score, or an edematous polyp with a mucosal wave.