Annual Vocal Physical: PART 2 - the Voice Assessment
In a previous article, we discussed how tempting it can be for a doctor to skip the history section of an exam. It can feel tiresome to ask a million questions, especially if you feel like the scope can give you the answer. But it is a vitally important part of your medical evaluation, as it can ensure you don’t get a misdiagnosis.
The voice evaluation is an equally important part of the exam of a professional voice user.
The voice evaluation may involve a combination of:
Speaking voice
Singing/professional voice
Listening to recordings before symptoms started
Listening to records after symptoms started
Eliciting tasks in the office that can demonstrate an issue by using different vowels
Testing vocal range
By tailoring the voice exam to the patient, we can refine our list of diagnoses and start to narrow down to the most likely cause of voice injury or voice symptoms. Ear training is not a traditional part of most Laryngology fellowships. We aren’t specifically taught how to use the voice to elicit subtle signs of injury. A laryngologist, with an ear trained to detect injury is invaluable. These skills allow for an accurate connection between voice symptoms and voice diagnosis.
Just like history-taking, careful voice evaluation gives important clues as to the underlying issues a voice user may have. A patient who has a vocal performance history can also provide sound samples that are reflective of the current condition, including samples from before there was an issue with the voice. These comparisons can guide the physician to a deeper understanding of the cause of the vocal injury.
It is also important for the Laryngologist to get a sense of the vocal demand of the artist. A classical singer will have a different type of demand than a character voice actor. By listening to their professional work, the physician can also guide treatment more effectively. Certain vocal tasks are safer than others and after the final diagnosis is made, treatment recommendations should be tailored to the individual’s professional demand. If not, the doctor risks relying on medications and voice rest or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, not recommending vocal rest despite high-intensity demand. This will inevitably result in worsened vocal injury.
By relying on multiple senses, eyes, and ears, a laryngologist is best able to establish the correct diagnosis and design an appropriate treatment plan to help the vocal athlete recover.
Interested in working with the best professionals in LA for voice care and rehabilitation?
Meet Dr. Gupta, the top voice doctor in LA, and Tressa Cox, the leading voice therapist specializing in voice rehabilitation.
Learn more about their expertise and services at the Center for Vocal Health.