The Annual Vocal Physical Checklist
Your Physician should:
Be board-certified in ENT (Otolaryngology)
Be fellowship-trained in Laryngology (one extra year of training)
Perform and interpret your videostroboscopy themselves
Spend significant time understanding your voice and concerns (30-60 minutes for a complete annual voice physical)
Respond to your concerns themselves, even after hours (vital for touring artists, those who work off-hours, etc.)
An Annual Voice Physical should include:
Full history: Questioning anything that may affect your voice
Medical history: Updating with changes, including new medications, interval surgeries, etc.
Voice History: Listening to sound samples over time, testing in the office
General ENT exam: Examining ears, nose, mouth, and neck, not just vocal cords
Manual Exam: Assessing neck musculature for asymmetry, tenderness, tightness
Videostroboscopy: Assessing vocal fold vibration, recorded and reviewed with you
Review and comparison: Comparing your current exam against prior exams, explaining differences
Your Care Plan Should Include:
Your records: A copy of the video of your exam (your phone can capture adequate quality)
Your ENT plan: A treatment plan for any ENT issues that were discovered
Your voice plan: A treatment plan for any voice issues that were discovered
Your general health plan: A treatment plan for other conditions that may affect your voice (i.e. thyroid, autoimmune)
Contact plan: how to access your laryngologist if symptoms develp or you get a cold and need to perform
Follow up: schedule visits for the next Annual Voice Physical and Pre- and Post- tour checks
