Common diagnoses and treatments in professional voice users

Common problems among all patients with vocal difficulties seen by the laryngologist also are common among professional voice users. These include laryngopharyngeal reflux, muscle tension dysphonia, fibrovascular vocal fold lesions (eg, nodules and polyps), cysts, vocal fold scarring, and changes in vocal fold mobility. Microvascular lesions and their associated sequelae of vocal fold hemorrhage and laryngitis due to voice overuse are more common among professional voice users. Much more common among professional voice users is the negative impact that voice problems have on their ability to work, on their overall sense of well-being, and sometimes on their very sense of self. In diagnosing voice disorders in professional voice users, clinicians must possess and clearly convey an understanding of this important truism, which will facilitate trust, confidence, and the opportunity to treat the patient. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment options for common problems among professional voice users, emphasizing the importance of gaining insight into the whole patient and of developing individualized management plans.