Objective:
The interpretation and application of stroboscopic findings is an essential skill for professionals who evaluate patients with laryngeal concerns. However, this training is often restricted to speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists with limited consideration for voice teachers and professional voice users themselves as members of the interdisciplinary voice care team. The goal of this workshop is to introduce laryngeal stroboscopy as a tool for understanding laryngeal anatomy and various vocal pathologies that commonly impact the professional voice user. Through the lens of speech-language pathologists who frequently collaborate with singing voice specialists, the presenters aim to provide attendees with the skills and language necessary for navigating videostroboscopy within the clinical setting using a combination of live demonstration, visual media, and case studies.
Methods:
The workshop will begin with a review of typical anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism as it relates to the images obtained during flexible and rigid videostroboscopy. The presenters will then advance to describing commonly-observed abnormal physiology and function within the performing voice population such as vocal fold lesions, neurologic impairment, primary laryngeal muscle tension, and beyond. Additional objectives of the lecture include how advocating for a shared vocabulary between all members of the voice care team, including the patient, is essential to improving care efficiency and quality.
Live videostroboscopy will be used during the workshop to demonstrate its role in understanding speech and singing voice function. This live demonstration will also highlight how task elicitation can improve the data gathered from these imaging techniques and informs clinical decision making. During the workshop, group discussion of personal experiences and ongoing question-and-answer will be highly encouraged.
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