Vocal Hyperfunction/Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Vocal hyperfunction occurs when the muscles of the larynx work too hard when speaking. The condition can be brought on by stress, reflux or other conditions.
Overview and Symptoms
Symptoms of dysphonia include involuntary changes in the quality, pitch or volume of your voice. It can also require more vocal effort when speaking. Other symptoms may include:
- fatigue after long periods of speaking
- running out of breath quickly
- frequent coughing or throat clearing
- pain or tenderness in the throat or larynx
During your first diagnostic visit, a speech pathologist will use a diagnostic tool called laryngovideostroboscopy to examine your vocal folds in slow motion.
On a second visit, a speech pathologist will collect acoustic measurements of your voice and have you participate in trial voice therapy techniques.
Vocal hyperfunction/muscle tension dysphonia is diagnosed often by laryngovideostroboscopy, a non-invasive procedure to examine your vocal fold vibration and vocal fold closure.
Treatment
The preferred treatment method is voice therapy. Voice therapy is much like physical therapy for any other part of the body. Sessions usually take place weekly for about 8 visits. You'll learn about the basic anatomy and physiology of the voice mechanism and about how to care for your voice. Pre-surgical counseling is provided when appropriate.
To achieve the best results, we'll provide exercises to be completed at home. We will do our best to help you figure out how to fit these practice exercises into your daily schedule.
Through practice, the body learns to make the small changes required for effective voice activation and for a smoother, easier voice. Regular practice helps to make these changes automatic so that eventually they come naturally. You may find it helpful to record your voice therapy visit using you smart phone or other recording device to aid with home practice.
If you need surgery, voice therapy may occur either before or after surgery takes place. After, you will have a final voice re-assessment and laryngovideostroboscopy.
Voice, Speech and Swallowing Therapy
The Voice, Speech and Swallowing Therapy experts at BIDMC are nationally recognized leaders, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of voice, airway, speech and swallowing conditions.