Effectiveness of voice therapy in functional dysphonia: where are we now?

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the recent literature since the 2009 Cochrane review regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for patients with functional dysphonia.

Recent findings: A range of articles report on the effects of voice therapy treatment for functional dysphonia, with a wide range of interventions described. Only one study is a randomized controlled trial. A number of excellent review articles have extended the knowledge base. In primary research, methodological issues persist: studies are small, and not adequately controlled. Studies show improved standards of outcome measurement and of description of the content of voice therapy.

Summary: There is a continued need for larger, methodologically sound clinical effectiveness studies. Future studies need to be replicable and generalizable in order to inform and elucidate clinical practice.