Voice therapy in pediatric functional dysphonia: a prospective study

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2007 Mar;71(3):379-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2006.11.002. Epub 2006 Nov 29.

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of voice therapy according to Borragan's method associated to S. Magnani's vocal counselling in functional dysphonia in children.

Patients and methods: We prospectively treated 16 patients with vocal fold nodules (10 males, 6 females). Age ranged from 6 to 11 years with a mean age of 9 years. We performed a full screening phoniatric evaluation. In addition psychological tests were carried out to investigate psychological background.

Results: We lost three patients at follow-up; one patient received surgery, eight patients healed (43.75%), four improved (25%). There was no statistical difference in the analysis of electroacoustical parameters while MPT significatively raised after therapy.

Conclusion: If patients have motivation voice therapy could improve functional dysphonia in children. It is also important psychological background. Further studies on bigger populations with long-term follow-up are needed.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Prospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Speech Production Measurement
  • Voice Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Voice Disorders / surgery
  • Voice Disorders / therapy*
  • Voice Training*