Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia)

2009 ◽  
Vol 141 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth R. Schwartz ◽  
Seth M. Cohen ◽  
Seth H. Dailey ◽  
Richard M. Rosenfeld ◽  
Ellen S. Deutsch ◽  
...  

Objective: This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on managing hoarseness (dysphonia), defined as a disorder characterized by altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication or reduces voice-related quality of life (QOL). Hoarseness affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in their lives. This guideline applies to all age groups evaluated in a setting where hoarseness would be identified or managed. It is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage patients with hoarseness. Purpose: The primary purpose of this guideline is to improve diagnostic accuracy for hoarseness (dysphonia), reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, reduce inappropriate steroid use, reduce inappropriate use of anti-reflux medications, reduce inappropriate use of radiographic imaging, and promote appropriate use of laryngoscopy, voice therapy, and surgery. In creating this guideline the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected a panel representing the fields of neurology, speech-language pathology, professional voice teaching, family medicine, pulmonology, geriatric medicine, nursing, internal medicine, otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, pediatrics, and consumers. Results The panel made strong recommendations that 1) the clinician should not routinely prescribe antibiotics to treat hoarseness and 2) the clinician should advocate voice therapy for patients diagnosed with hoarseness that reduces voice-related QOL. The panel made recommendations that 1) the clinician should diagnose hoarseness (dysphonia) in a patient with altered voice quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication or reduces voice-related QOL; 2) the clinician should assess the patient with hoarseness by history and/or physical examination for factors that modify management, such as one or more of the following: recent surgical procedures involving the neck or affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve, recent endotracheal intubation, radiation treatment to the neck, a history of tobacco abuse, and occupation as a singer or vocal performer; 3) the clinician should visualize the patient's larynx, or refer the patient to a clinician who can visualize the larynx, when hoarseness fails to resolve by a maximum of three months after onset, or irrespective of duration if a serious underlying cause is suspected; 4) the clinician should not obtain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the patient with a primary complaint of hoarseness prior to visualizing the larynx; 5) the clinician should not prescribe anti-reflux medications for patients with hoarseness without signs or symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease; 6) the clinician should not routinely prescribe oral corticosteroids to treat hoarseness; 7) the clinician should visualize the larynx before prescribing voice therapy and document/communicate the results to the speech-language pathologist; and 8) the clinician should prescribe, or refer the patient to a clinician who can prescribe, botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of hoarseness caused by adductor spasmodic dysphonia. The panel offered as options that 1) the clinician may perform laryngoscopy at any time in a patient with hoarseness, or may refer the patient to a clinician who can visualize the larynx; 2) the clinician may prescribe anti-reflux medication for patients with hoarseness and signs of chronic laryngitis; and 3) the clinician may educate/counsel patients with hoarseness about control/preventive measures. Disclaimer: This clinical practice guideline is not intended as a sole source of guidance in managing hoarseness (dysphonia). Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. The guideline is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition, and may not provide the only appropriate approach to diagnosing and managing this problem.

2017 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Bhattacharyya ◽  
Samuel P. Gubbels ◽  
Seth R. Schwartz ◽  
Jonathan A. Edlow ◽  
Hussam El-Kashlan ◽  
...  

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has published a supplement to this issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery featuring the “Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update).” To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 14 recommendations developed emphasize diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, reducing the inappropriate use of vestibular suppressant medications, decreasing the inappropriate use of ancillary testing, and increasing the appropriate therapeutic repositioning maneuvers. An updated guideline is needed due to new clinical trials, new systematic reviews, and the lack of consumer participation in the initial guideline development group.


2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. S4-S23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Rosenfeld ◽  
Lance Brown ◽  
C. Ron Cannon ◽  
Rowena J. Dolor ◽  
Theodore G. Ganiats ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to manage diffuse acute otitis externa (AOE), defined as generalized inflammation of the external ear canal, which may also involve the pinna or tympanic membrane. The primary purpose is to promote appropriate use of oral and topical antimicrobials and to highlight the need for adequate pain relief. STUDY DESIGN: In creating this guideline, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) selected a development group representing the fields of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, infectious disease, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and medical informatics. The guideline was created with the use of an explicit, a priori, evidence-based protocol. RESULTS: The group made a strong recommendation that management of AOE should include an assessment of pain, and the clinician should recommend analgesic treatment based on the severity of pain. The group made recommendations that clinicians should: 1) distinguish diffuse AOE from other causes of otalgia, otorrhea, and inflammation of the ear canal; 2) assess the patient with diffuse AOE for factors that modify management (nonintact tympanic membrane, tympanostomy tube, diabetes, immunocompromised state, prior radiotherapy); and 3) use topical preparations for initial therapy of diffuse, uncomplicated AOE; systemic antimicrobial therapy should not be used unless there is extension outside of the ear canal or the presence of specific host factors that would indicate a need for systemic therapy. The group made additional recommendations that: 4) the choice of topical antimicrobial therapy of diffuse AOE should be based on efficacy, low incidence of adverse events, likelihood of adherence to therapy, and cost; 5) clinicians should inform patients how to administer topical drops, and when the ear canal is obstructed, delivery of topical preparations should be enhanced by aural toilet, placing a wick, or both; 6) when the patient has a tympanostomy tube or known perforation of the tympanic membrane, the clinician should prescribe a nonototoxic topical preparation; and 7) if the patient fails to respond to the initial therapeutic option within 48 to 72 hours, the clinician should reassess the patient to confirm the diagnosis of diffuse AOE and to exclude other causes of illness. And finally, the panel compiled a list of research needs based on limitations of the evidence reviewed. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice guideline is not intended as a sole source of guidance in evaluating patients with AOE. Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. It is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition and may not provide the only appropriate approach to the diagnosis and management of this problem. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first, explicit, evidence-based clinical practice guideline on acute otitis externa, and the first clinical practice guideline produced independently by the AAO-HNSF. © 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.


2018 ◽  
Vol 158 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. S1-S42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Stachler ◽  
David O. Francis ◽  
Seth R. Schwartz ◽  
Cecelia C. Damask ◽  
German P. Digoy ◽  
...  

Objective This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on treating patients who present with dysphonia, which is characterized by altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication and/or quality of life. Dysphonia affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in its life. This guideline applies to all age groups evaluated in a setting where dysphonia would be identified or managed. It is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and treat patients with dysphonia. Purpose The primary purpose of this guideline is to improve the quality of care for patients with dysphonia, based on current best evidence. Expert consensus to fill evidence gaps, when used, is explicitly stated and supported with a detailed evidence profile for transparency. Specific objectives of the guideline are to reduce inappropriate variations in care, produce optimal health outcomes, and minimize harm. For this guideline update, the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected a panel representing the fields of advanced practice nursing, bronchoesophagology, consumer advocacy, family medicine, geriatric medicine, internal medicine, laryngology, neurology, otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, pediatrics, professional voice, pulmonology, and speech-language pathology. Action Statements The guideline update group made strong recommendations for the following key action statements (KASs): (1) Clinicians should assess the patient with dysphonia by history and physical examination to identify factors where expedited laryngeal evaluation is indicated. These include, but are not limited to, recent surgical procedures involving the head, neck, or chest; recent endotracheal intubation; presence of concomitant neck mass; respiratory distress or stridor; history of tobacco abuse; and whether the patient is a professional voice user. (2) Clinicians should advocate voice therapy for patients with dysphonia from a cause amenable to voice therapy. The guideline update group made recommendations for the following KASs: (1) Clinicians should identify dysphonia in a patient with altered voice quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication or reduces quality of life (QOL). (2) Clinicians should assess the patient with dysphonia by history and physical examination for underlying causes of dysphonia and factors that modify management. (3) Clinicians should perform laryngoscopy, or refer to a clinician who can perform laryngoscopy, when dysphonia fails to resolve or improve within 4 weeks or irrespective of duration if a serious underlying cause is suspected. (4) Clinicians should perform diagnostic laryngoscopy, or refer to a clinician who can perform diagnostic laryngoscopy, before prescribing voice therapy and document/communicate the results to the speech-language pathologist (SLP). (5) Clinicians should advocate for surgery as a therapeutic option for patients with dysphonia with conditions amenable to surgical intervention, such as suspected malignancy, symptomatic benign vocal fold lesions that do not respond to conservative management, or glottic insufficiency. (6) Clinicians should offer, or refer to a clinician who can offer, botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of dysphonia caused by spasmodic dysphonia and other types of laryngeal dystonia. (7) Clinicians should inform patients with dysphonia about control/preventive measures. (8) Clinicians should document resolution, improvement or worsened symptoms of dysphonia, or change in QOL of patients with dysphonia after treatment or observation. The guideline update group made a strong recommendation against 1 action: (1) Clinicians should not routinely prescribe antibiotics to treat dysphonia. The guideline update group made recommendations against other actions: (1) Clinicians should not obtain computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients with a primary voice complaint prior to visualization of the larynx. (2) Clinicians should not prescribe antireflux medications to treat isolated dysphonia, based on symptoms alone attributed to suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), without visualization of the larynx. (3) Clinicians should not routinely prescribe corticosteroids for patients with dysphonia prior to visualization of the larynx. The policy level for the following recommendation about laryngoscopy at any time was an option: (1) Clinicians may perform diagnostic laryngoscopy at any time in a patient with dysphonia. Disclaimer This clinical practice guideline is not intended as an exhaustive source of guidance for managing dysphonia (hoarseness). Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. The guideline is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition, and it may not provide the only appropriate approach to diagnosing and managing this problem. Differences from Prior Guideline (1) Incorporation of new evidence profiles to include the role of patient preferences, confidence in the evidence, differences of opinion, quality improvement opportunities, and any exclusion to which the action statement does not apply (2) Inclusion of 3 new guidelines, 16 new systematic reviews, and 4 new randomized controlled trials (3) Inclusion of a consumer advocate on the guideline update group (4) Changes to 9 KASs from the original guideline (5) New KAS 3 (escalation of care) and KAS 13 (outcomes) (6) Addition of an algorithm outlining KASs for patients with dysphonia


2016 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Witsell ◽  
Tawfiq Khoury ◽  
Kristine A. Schulz ◽  
Robert Stachler ◽  
Debara L. Tucci ◽  
...  

Objective The objective of this study is to describe the presentation and management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss for patients seen in academic and community-based practices within the context of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s “Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss.” The intention is to use these findings to guide implementation strategies and quality improvement initiatives and as pilot data for the development of clinical research initiatives. Study Design A cross-sectional study of patients with sudden hearing loss. Setting Patients were recruited from practices within the Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research (CHEER) network. The CHEER network is an National Institutes of Health–funded network of 30 otolaryngology sites across the country, half of which are community based and half of which are academic practices. Subjects and Methods A total of 173 patients were recruited. Data were gathered via custom questionnaires collected by study site coordinators and entered into a secure online platform. Descriptive analyses and correlation statistics were run with SAS 9.3.1. Results Of the 13 guideline statements in the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s clinical practice guideline on sudden hearing loss, 11 statements were evaluable through this study. Compliance for otolaryngologists was >95% for key action statements (KASs) 1, 3, and 6; 90% to 95% for KASs 5 and 10; and <90% for KASs 7 and 13. Compliance was <45% for nonotolaryngologists for KASs 3 and 5-7. Conclusions There is opportunity for nonotolaryngologists to improve for statements 3 and 5-7. Otolaryngologists are compliant with many of the KASs overall, but there is significant room for improvement.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110004
Author(s):  
Richard K. Gurgel ◽  
Selena E. Briggs ◽  
Nui Dhepyasuwan ◽  
Richard M. Rosenfeld

Background and Significance There is a high and growing prevalence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL), defined as presbycusis or bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss in older adults. Due to the increasing prevalence of ARHL, the potential delays in its diagnosis and treatment, and the significant disability associated with ARHL, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) convened a Measures Development Group (MDG) to develop quality measures (QMs) of clinical practice that could be incorporated into the AAO-HNSF’s data registry Reg-ent. Although the AAO-HNSF has been engaged in robust clinical practice guideline development since 2006, the development of quality and performance measures is more recent. Methods We report the process, experience, and outcomes in developing a de novo QM set for ARHL in the absence of a preexisting clinical practice guideline on this topic. Steps include the MDG review of evidentiary literature on ARHL, followed by stakeholder discussions to develop measure specifications. Key considerations included discussion on the relative importance, usability, and feasibility of each measure within the Reg-ent or similar databases. Results The MDG created 4 QMs for the diagnosis and treatment of AHRL. These measures represent the AAO-HNSF’s quality initiatives to develop evidence-based QMs and improve patient care and outcomes, and they are intended to assist providers in enhancing quality of care. Conclusion Development of the ARHL measures is intended for clinicians to evaluate the patient perception, structure, process, and outcomes of care. This process represents a new stage in the AAO-HNSF’s measure development efforts to facilitate future efforts in evidence-based QM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth R. Schwartz ◽  
Anthony E. Magit ◽  
Richard M. Rosenfeld ◽  
Bopanna B. Ballachanda ◽  
Jesse M. Hackell ◽  
...  

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery featuring the updated Clinical Practice Guideline: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction). To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 11 recommendations emphasize proper ear hygiene, diagnosis of cerumen impaction, factors that modify management, evaluating the need for intervention, and proper treatment. An updated guideline is needed due to new evidence (3 guidelines, 5 systematic reviews, and 6 randomized controlled trials) and the need to add statements on managing cerumen impaction that focus on primary prevention, contraindicated intervention, and referral and coordination of care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Wierzbicka-Rot ◽  
Artur Gadomski

In February 2019 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery published clinical practice guidelines which provides evidence-based recommendations that applies to children under consideration for tonsillectomy. This update to the 2011 publication includes large amount of new, practical information about pre-, intra- and postoperative care and management, that can be useful for surgeons as well as GPs and pediatricians


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