Successful management of functional aphonia using a modified voice therapy technique: a case series

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to report the experience of a tertiary-care center in Makkah, Saudi Arabia in managing cases of functional aphonia. Study settings and design A case series study was conducted at the Phoniatrics Outpatient Clinics of King Abdullah Medical City in Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods Cases with functional aphonia managed by modified voice therapy technique in the period from March 2011 to January 2016 at the Phoniatrics Outpatient Clinics were recruited. Management consisted of auditory perceptual assessment, acoustic analysis, laryngeal examination, and voice handicap index measurement. All these parameters were recorded for each case before and after management. Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 16, and data were subjected to descriptive as well as inferential analyses. Results A total of 15 patients with functional aphonia were managed. One female patient had an exceptionally long period of aphonia, and her case is presented separately. The success rate of the procedure used for management was 100%. Conclusion Using the nonphonatory function of vocal folds in a modified manner by experienced therapists leads to recovery of voice regardless of the period of aphonia.

Keywords

• functional aphonia
• phonation
• speech
• voice therapy