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Singing After Superior Laryngeal Nerve Weakness: A Story of Hope

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), resulting in paresis of the nerve and limited muscle activation of the cricothyroid muscle, is highly disruptive for individuals who use their voice as a significant part of their occupation and/or to improve quality of life.

Recent Findings

A single-subject case study is presented describing a long-term, team-based approach to voice care for an occupational voice user with damage to the right external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN).

Summary

While it is unclear that improvement of nerve function is possible outside the 6–12-month window of spontaneous regeneration, this case provides an example of how continued support and coaching over several years resulted in improved phonation and functional voice-quality outcomes for the patient.

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Funding

This work is partially supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, NIDCD R01 DC018280 (Ingo R. Titze—PI).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Utah Center for Vocology, University of Utah, 240 S. 1500 E., Rm. 206, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA

    Lynn Maxfield

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA

    Diana M. Orbelo

Authors
  1. Lynn Maxfield
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  2. Diana M. Orbelo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lynn Maxfield.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

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Maxfield, L., Orbelo, D.M. Singing After Superior Laryngeal Nerve Weakness: A Story of Hope. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 11, 307–311 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-023-00484-z

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