Fox Valley Speech & Swallowing Center Diagnostic Voice Evaluation – What to Expect... A Diagnostic Voice Evaluation is performed by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). It is intended to objectively and subjectively evaluate voice production to discover the cause of the vocal difficulty, and to plan the most efficient treatment. Patient participation and cooperation are extremely important throughout the testing process. The evaluation may be a four-part procedure: History and Oral Examination Perceptual Voice Evaluation Objective Analysis Visualization The History and Oral Examination and the Perceptual Voice Evaluation are always part of the procedure. The measures taken for Objective Analysis may vary based on the problem described. In some cases Visualization of the vocal folds is necessary. After the Diagnostic Voice Evaluation is completed, the information will be compiled into a comprehensive report which will be sent to the referring physician as well as to other professionals at your request. If Laryngeal Videostroboscopy (LVS) was done, a photo may also be provided. Following are brief descriptions of what to expect as you participate in a thorough diagnostic voice evaluation. (1) History & Oral Examination First, and perhaps most importantly, you will be asked a number of questions about your medical and social History – your background and lifestyle – including such things as diet, sleep habits, illnesses, medications, and steps you may have taken in the past to overcome or cope with your difficulty. Your honest and complete answers are necessary (and, of course, your confidentiality will be respected). The Oral Examination gives the SLP an opportunity to evaluate the face, mouth and throat to determine whether they are adequate to produce normal voice. (2) Perceptual Voice Evaluation During the first part of the evaluation and, in fact, throughout the time spent with the SLP, the Perceptual Voice Evaluation (listening) is ongoing. With ears trained to detect the "broad range of normal" as well as the abnormal, your voice characteristics will be judged in detail: breath control for speech, resonance, pitch, loudness, quality, and the melody and rate of speech. (3) Objective Analysis After the SLP has gathered some basic information, a computer analysis provides objective measures of voice characteristics. Measures of air pressures and flows used in speech are also taken. (4) Visualization In some cases abnormal vocal fold movement is a major contributor to a voice problem, particularly when a physical abnormality is known or suspected. Vocal folds vibrate at the rate of 60 to 1,000 times per second, much faster than the eye can detect. Laryngeal Videostroboscopy (LVS) is used to give a greatly enhanced view of your vocal folds and vocal fold movement. Using a voice activated strobe light, with a tiny camera held lightly in the mouth, it is now possible to see on a TV monitor what your vocal folds are doing when you produce sounds. In many cases this makes it possible to discover why there is a problem and what needs to be done to correct it. A videotape is made of this procedure which is reviewed by an ear-nose-throat doctor (ENT) who is experienced in detecting vocal fold abnormalities. If surgery is contemplated, this procedure is invaluable for the surgeon, and for providing a "before" and "after" record to help determine pre- and post-surgical therapy. If voice therapy is indicated, LVS may be used after a few sessions so you can see your progress. The combination of these four approaches yields the accepted standard for the evaluation of voice as suggested by the International Association of Logopedics and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Frequently Asked Questions How long will the Voice Evaluation take? Approximately 1 1/2 hours Is a Voice Evaluation painful? NO. In rare instances an anesthetic spray is used during the LVS for patients with an extremely quick gag response. Will I know why I have a voice problem on the day of the evaluation? Yes, in most cases. The LVS videotape is always reviewed by a physician before complete results are provided. Do I need a prescription or physician referral for a Voice Evaluation? No – however, your insurance may require a physician's prescription. There must be a medical evaluation prior to beginning therapy. Whenever an unexplained voice change occurs, a medical examination by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor) should be arranged. Will this be covered by insurance? Usually – most plans cover voice evaluation by a licensed SLP with a referral from a medical doctor. Check with your carrier to be sure. Please Note: A voice evaluation is NOT a substitute for a medical evaluation by an otolaryngologist (Ear-Nose-Throat Doctor). Whenever an unexplained voice change occurs, a medical examination by an otolaryngologist should be arranged. This brochure is also available in print. FVSSC HOME PAGE VOICE  |  ARTICULATION  |  STUTTERING  |  LANGUAGE  |  SWALLOWING SPECIAL FEATURES  |  OTHER SERVICES  |  LOCATION  |  BILLING  |  PERSONNEL © 2006, Fox Valley Speech and Swallowing Center, LLC - Specializing in Voice, Speech Production, and Swallowing -  Do you have more questions about FVSSC? Check the FAQ. Would you like to contact FVSSC directly? Please read this. .