Who Would I See in the Clinic?

Because voice problems usually have complex issues, it is most helpful to have access to a team of specialists from a variety of medical and paramedical disciplines, for example: otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, neurology, psychiatry. Prior to scheduling an appointment, we try to determine what the best combination of professionals would be to make up your assessment team. The information you provide for us on a personal history form (see following page) would offer basic information that helps us make this decision. You might meet more than one member of the voice care team on your first visit, or during subsequent visits.

What Types of Procedures Would Be Performed in the Clinic?

An important part of the evaluation process is history-taking. The professionals you consult with will sit down with you and inquire about many different aspects of your health and lifestyle, to try and determine all factors contributing to your voice problem. The information you provide will be considered strictly confidential, so the more detail you can offer about areas of inquiry, the more we can help you.

The Pacific Voice Clinic has equipment for examining and video-recording the larynx (voice box) and your face while you speak. Video recordings are made while patients produce a variety of vocal effects. A stroboscope light allows us to observe the vocal folds while they vibrate, to evaluate fine details of their movement, and their state of health. To achieve all this, a "laryngoscopy" is performed, by placing a small telescope in the mouth or nose. This is typically a painless procedure, for which you are wide awake and an active participant.

In addition to the laryngoscopy, video and audio recordings are made of your face and upper body while you engage in different vocal activities, to document any physical symptoms that may relate to your voice problem. During the recordings, you will be asked to vary different aspects of vocal production to help us evaluate your pitch range, vocal loudness, and other aspects of voice production.

The clinicians will conduct a physical examination of your neck and face, and other areas that are relevant to voice production as required.

You may also have an evaluation of airflow features of your vocal production, which involves breathing and vocalizing into a face-mask, attached to various airflow measurement devices. This is a completely painless and noninvasive procedure.

After the voice care team has completed their formal evaluation, they usually adjourn to collate findings, and discuss diagnostic information. Following any necessary professional consultation, they meet with you to provide information about diagnosis, further evaluations that may be necessary, and treatment options. You are welcome to have family or friends present during the discussion.

If you are scheduled to see a team of experts, you should count on being in the clinic approximately 90 minutes. Seeing only the otolaryngologist or speech-language pathologist may take a somewhat shorter time.