EVALUATING HOARSENESS - KEEPING YOUR PATIENTS VOICE HEALTHY

Hoarseness is the term often used by patients to describe changes in t heir voice quality. The causes of hoarseness are determined after obta ining a detailed medical history of the circumstances preceding the on set of hoarseness and performing a thorough physical examination. The latter may include visualization of the vocal cords, possibly using in direct laryngoscopy, flexible nasolaryngoscopy or strobovideolaryngosc opy. In the absence of an upper respiratory tract infection, any patie nt with hoarseness persisting for more than two weeks requires a compl ete evaluation. When the patient has a history of tobacco use, cancer of the head and neck must be considered and ruled out. Voice abuse is one of the most common causes of hoarseness and can lead to other voca l pathologies such as vocal nodules. Good vocal hygiene can prevent an d treat some pathologies, and voice therapy is a cornerstone of manage ment in some cases of hoarseness.