Voice Diagnostic Evaluations

Voice evaluation offers an assessment of the patient's techniques and patterns of vocal use.

When you become aware of any negative change in your voice, please call the University of Maryland Professional Voice Program at 410-328-6866.

Voice Recording and Analysis

Recording and analysis includes quantification of the voice signal with respect to pitch, loudness, quality and variability, as well as measurement of the acoustic parameters and breathing dynamics.

Videostroboscopy

This technology uses a special light source and magnified lenses to examine the mucosa of the vocal fold in very high detail. This allows identification of subtle scarring or vocal fold lesions that will adversely affect the vibrations created by the vocal folds and may be causing hoarseness or dysphonia.

Dual pH Esophageal Monitoring

This measures the amount and frequency of the flow of gastric contents into the esophagus and larynx over a 24-hour period. This allows for the diagnosis of, and proper treatment for, reflux laryngitis.

Laryngeal Electromyography (EMG)

This measures the quality of the nerve signal reaching the muscles of the larynx. Using a small needle as an electrode sensor, the electrical activity of the individual muscles of the larynx can be sampled, and this provides information regarding the health of the laryngeal nerves. This is often used when a person has a vocal fold paralysis or movement disorder.

Vocal Performance Assessment

This assessment allows our staff to evaluate vocal function, including pitch range, intensity range, and voice quality measures, for later use as a baseline measure. Following vocal training, the data can be evaluated to measure recovery of the vocal function after an injury.

Electroglottography (EGG)

An EGG records the pattern of vocal fold closure, allowing detailed analysis of vocal fold contact.

Laryngeal Sensory Testing

Using gentle but precise, calibrated puffs of air, the sensitivity of the larynx can be tested. There are many conditions in which the larynx may have decreased sensation, including reflux disease, nerve damage and swallowing disorders.

Esophageal Endoscopy

Using a small flexible camera, the esophagus can be examined without sedation. This is useful for the evaluation of swallowing disorders and complications of reflux disease. This procedure is quick, has minimal discomfort, and can be performed in the office setting.

Modified Barium Swallow (MBS)

This test is performed in the radiology suite in conjunction with a speech language pathologist. Several consistencies of liquids and solids are swallowed under X-ray surveillance to determine the extent of swallowing difficulty, any anatomic abnormality, and determine the best manner in which to rehabilitate the swallow.

Fiber-Optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

This is often performed in conjunction with laryngeal sensory testing or esophageal endoscopy. This is a swallowing study performed in the clinic under endoscopic observation to determine the function and safety of swallowing.

Contact Us

When you become aware of any negative change in your voice, please call the University of Maryland Professional Voice Program at 410-328-6866.