Voice Therapy in the Treatment of Dysphonia

Voice therapy contributes to increased effectiveness and efficiency in the otolaryngologist's diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Research data and expert clinical experience support the use of voice therapy in the management of patients with acute and chronic voice disorders and may obviate the need for surgery. When surgery is necessary, adjuvant voice therapy can improve surgical outcomes, prevent additional injury, and limit additional treatment costs.

Adopted: September 28, 2005

Note: A more detailed Consensus Statement developed in support of this policy statement exists. Click here to read the complete statement.

Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.

Important Notice

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/FA) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.