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The Initial Evaluation and Management of a Vocal Performer With New Voice Complaints

  • Professional Voice Disorders (G Garrett, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Caring for the vocal performance community represents a great privilege. A multidisciplinary team approach that is both accessible and sensitive to the unique needs of the performing artist is crucial to providing the highest level of care.

Recent Findings

The approach to a vocal performer in the clinical setting must be one that does not trivialize vocal concerns nor ignore vocal demands and habits outside of the performance milieu. Furthermore, relevant historical details and considerations for the performing artist are specific to their craft. Counseling this population often addresses vocal dose awareness, vocal hygiene optimization, and muscle memory pattern adjustments. Behavioral intervention in the form of voice therapy almost always precedes consideration of surgical therapy. Furthermore, prescribed short-term voice rest periods, guided by videostroboscopic exam, can be effective both diagnostically and therapeutically.

Summary

Various medical, surgical, and behavioral intervention recommendations and management strategies are highlighted from the perspective of a fellowship-trained laryngologist and a voice therapist, both with clinical emphasis on performance voice.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Clinical Center for Voice Care, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5303 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA

    Lesley F. Childs & Amy L. Hamilton

Authors
  1. Lesley F. Childs
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  2. Amy L. Hamilton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lesley F. Childs.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Lesley F. Childs and Ms. Amy L. Hamilton declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical collection on Professional Voice Disorders.

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Childs, L.F., Hamilton, A.L. The Initial Evaluation and Management of a Vocal Performer With New Voice Complaints. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 4, 183–188 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-016-0129-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-016-0129-x

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