The 2016 G. Paul Moore Lecture: Lessons in Voice Rehabilitation: Journal of Voice and Clinical Practice

Abstract

This Paul Moore Lecture honors the contributions made by authors to the Journal of Voice during a period of 30 years, from 1987. Fifty articles were selected and included under the following five topics: (1) normalcy of the larynx and voice; (2) the clinical speech-language pathologist's evaluation; (3) the patient's perspective; (4) the core of vocal rehabilitation; and (5) behavioral versus organic dysphonias. The analysis reflects a vivid landscape of the specific area and significant advances in knowledge. It also shows the valuable interdependence between science and clinical practice. The topics highlight the following information: (1) The physical appearance of a healthy larynx varies across individuals with normal voices. (2) The voice is not a binary descriptor (normal versus abnormal) but a variable measure, with many cultural influences on the perceptual auditory analysis of a voice. (3) The clinical speech-language pathologist assessment is multidimensional and multiparametric, with both subjective and objective analyses. The patients' opinion about the impact of a voice problem on his or her quality of life is significant when proposing a treatment. Therefore, it is also included in the initial assessment. (4) Vocal rehabilitation is a nonlinear process that combines direct and indirect approaches. Evidence of the positive effect of voice therapy is now well established. (5) Behavioral dysphonias may be linked to self-regulation of the use of voice and this needs to be taken into consideration. Although organic dysphonias are not necessarily the result of harmful vocal behaviors, they too can benefit from vocal rehabilitation.

Keywords: Dysphonia; Larynx; Treatment; Vocal rehabilitation; Voice.