Professional voice users: the evaluation of voice disorders

Abstract

Substantial advances in understanding the anatomy and physiology of phonation, and the new technology that has improved voice measurement and voice surgery, have led to marked improvement in the standard-of-care for patients with voice disorders. Expert voice care is essential for all patients, but especially crucial for voice professionals. Professional voice users include not only singers and actors, but also clergy, teachers, receptionists, sales personnel, physicians, and anyone else whose ability to earn a living is impacted negatively by loss of vocal quality and endurance. Physicians should be familiar with the latest concepts in voice diagnosis and treatment, and with the management of common voice disorders.