Modern approaches to the diagnosis and voice therapy of voice-leading disorders in vocalists
Diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal diseases in vocalists remains one of the most important tasks of otorhinolaryngology. One of the causes of vocal dysfunction in vocalists is functional dysphonia. Among the factors leading to the development of functional disorders of the larynx, a significant role is given to non-compliance with the vocal regime and vocal technique. The high frequency of voice function disorders among vocalists and the existing diagnostic difficulties determine the relevance of this problem and the need for further research. Objectives: Improvement of the effectiveness of diagnostics of laryngeal diseases and phonopedic rehabilitation in vocalists by identifying the features of the mechanism of voice-leading while the larynx is in a vocal position and the use of the individual vocal technique. Materials and methods: An examination of 10 vocalists with complaints of impaired vocal function was conducted. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 43 years. The method includes performing video endolaryngoscopy and video stroboscopic endolaryngoscopy using a flexible video rhino-pharynx-laryngoscope during functional tests. Simultaneously with the endoscopy of the larynx, an audio recording of the voice followed by computer acoustic analysis was done. Conclusions: This method makes it possible to evaluate the patient’s phonation in a vocal position and when using various vocal techniques, as well as to determine objective acoustic indicators. The results obtained are necessary for the selection of phonopedic correction methods. The proposed method increases the effectiveness of the diagnosis of laryngeal diseases and phonopedic rehabilitation in vocalists.