Hoarseness

Vocal Fold Hypomobility (Article)
Vocal fold hypomobility can result from a myriad of disorders of nerves, muscles, or cricoarytenoid joint function. Vocal fold hypomobility may manifest with symptoms that range from breathiness, vocal fatigue, and decreased range to aphonia, aspiration, and shortness of breath. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Neurological Problems of the Voice (Article)
Neurological voice disorders are due to abnormalities of the brain and/or the nerves of the body that impair control of the muscles. The more common neurological diseases discussed are strokes, Parkinson's, spasmodic dysphonia, benign essential tremor, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Sinusitis (Article)
Singing teachers should be familiar with sinusitis, as virtually all will encounter students with sinusitis. Many more students with sinus symptoms actually have allergic rhinitis. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Thyroid Cancer (Article)
It is helpful for singing teachers to have a basic familiarity with the nature, evaluation, and treatment of thyroid cancer, a relatively common form of the disease. Normal thyroid hormone levels are important to laryngeal function, so thyroid damage even from medical cancer treatment can cause voice problems in singers, but it will not necessarily end a vocal career. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Premenstrual Syndrome and its Effects on Laryngeal Functionality: An Approach for Singers and Pedagogues (Article)
An exploration of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Voice Syndrome (PMVS) that details the ways in which singers may be physically and emotionally affected. Based on a number of medical studies of the phenomenon, the author provides strategies for students and teachers to address this highly personal subject sensitively and effectively. [pp. 27-34] (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

The Effect of Hormones on the Voice (Article)
It is important for singers and teachers to be familiar with the body_x0090_s major hormones and their effect on vocal fold function. The authors first focus on aspects of the female voice (such as the effects of the menstrual cycle) and explore issues relevant to all singers, including the effects of thyroid hormones and pituitary gland hormones. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Indications for Surgery in Singers (Article)
When selected nonsurgical treatments fail and when a patient remains sufficiently symptomatic to warrant the surgical risks in the opinion of the patient, voice therapist, and laryngologist, meticulous microsurgery usually results in voice improvement. Many abnormalities, as detailed, in the article, do require surgery. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

How Can Voice Teachers Help Students Who are Considering Vocal Fold Surgery? (Article)
The article addresses the several concerns that might confront the singer in vocal fold surgery. Helpful and very informative. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

How to Find a Voice Doctor (Article)
The purpose of the article is to help the individual, teacher, and family member navigate through the vocal health care system. The different types of voice care professionals involved in voice evaluation and treatment are mentioned. A variety of key components of voice evaluation are described as well as assists in providing the reader with a method to find a voice care physician. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Consulting a Voice Doctor: When? (Article)
The article assists singing teachers and others in understanding when a laryngologist (voice specialist) should be consulted, and especially when one should be consulted urgently. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Dispelling Vocal Myths. Part 3: "Sing OVER Your Cold! (Article)
Continuing the series begun in 2010, Michael aims to clarify misconceptions about vocal production. In this installment Michael and Goding examine some myths and truths about vocal fold swelling, particularly as it pertains to upper respiratory infection (URI). For part one see 66, no. 5 (547-551); part two 67, no. 4 (417-421); part four 69, no. 2 (167-172). (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Health Promotion and Injury Prevention Education for Student Singers (Article)
Rather than a specific set of guidelines for singers to address injury, the authors explore methods of educating students about this topic through classes and seminars. While they describe several viable approaches, they conclude, "more research is necessary to better understand how voice educators can serve the health needs of singing students.” (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

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