Glossary

The Kansas Voice Center

Stroboscopy

enables specialized personnel to fully evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds. Videostroboscopy utilizes a strobe light that allows for a magnified and "slow motion" view of the vocal folds. This allows us to identify subtle abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye. Observations can also be made with respect to vocal fold shape, stiffness, movement, vibration patterns, and timing of opening/closing. The procedure is painless and involves looking through the nose and/or the mouth. Stroboscopy is essential for any center evaluating vocal disorders.

Speech Language Pathologist

TEP

Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is directed by a speech-language pathologist, preferably one who is specialized in the area of voice. The goal of any voice therapy program is to achieve a person’s optimal vocal quality. Many speech-language pathologists who specialize in the area of voice will tell their patients to strive for "the best voice with the least amount of effort."

Treatment for the voice is typically not long term. It can be a brief as 1 to 2 sessions or could take 10 to 12 sessions. This is dependent on a person’s response to treatment and the type of voice disorder

Spirometer

This is a device into which one blows to help evaluate lung capacity and function (the power source for the voice).

Computerized Speech Lab

A program that enables us to collect important base line information regarding vocal fold functions, as well as voice treatment results.

24-hour pH probe

Involves placement of a small plastic tube in the nose and into the esophagus. One goes home for one day with this probe and can speak and eat normally. The probe records acid levels in different locations within the esophagus.

Voice Disorders

GERD

GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease): Contents from the stomach return through the bottom esophageal sphincter and back into the esophagus. This causes swelling and irritation of the tissue in the esophagus. People with GERD feel like they have "heartburn" or indigestion. These symptoms become especially prominent when the person lies down.

LPRD

LPRD (Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux Disease): When reflux makes it all the way up through the top sphincter and into the back of the throat, it is called LPRD. The throat, voice box, and lungs are much more sensitive to stomach acid so smaller amounts of reflux into this area can result in more damage.