Voice diagnostics refers to a procedure in otolaryngology in which various aspects of the voice are described.
Indications (areas of application)
- Suspicion of a functional voice disorder – these include, above all, hoarseness or pain in the throat area after long periods of speaking; the functional voice disorders are caused by incorrect or by overloading of the vocal apparatus
- Vocal cord changes such as tumors or inflammation.
The procedure
Voice diagnostics should include a detailed medical history and instrumental examinations such as laryngoscopy (laryngoscopy), stroboscopy and voice analysis. Stroboscopy is a diagnostic method that uses flashes of light to make the otherwise too rapid movements of the vocal folds visible. In combination with a particularly light-sensitive video camera (“videostroboscopy”), it is possible to demonstrate and digitally archive the findings. Voice analysis is an instrumental procedure for checking the purity of the voice.
During voice diagnostics, the following criteria are assessed in particular:
- Quality of the voice
- Scope of the voice
- Voice pitch
- Speech accent
- Checking the breathing technique
In addition, the voice field measurement can also be performed. With this method, the pitch and volume of the voice is measured and displayed in a so-called phonetogram.
