Introduction: Voice disorders affect nearly one in three people during their lifetime and are associated with significant reductions in quality of life, with impacts comparable to those observed in major chronic health conditions. Despite this, limited research has explored the lived experience of adults with voice disorders or synthesised existing qualitative evidence in this area.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted to determine the current extent of research pertaining to the lived experience of adults with voice disorders. Six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus) were systematically searched, and papers were screened using an established scoping review framework. The included studies were analysed following recognised principles of reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: From 3294 papers identified, five met study inclusion criteria and were thematically analysed. Five overarching themes emerged: 1) My voice doesn’t work like it used to; 2) My voice disorder has affected my sense of self; 3) My voice disorder impacts my life participation; 4) Stigma hurts, support helps; 5) Living with my voice disorder means learning to adapt.
Discussion: Recurring themes surrounding mental health and life participation highlight the importance of clinicians developing skills in counselling and knowing when and how to refer to additional support. Clinicians are urged to use a more holistic approach to voice assessment and treatment, acknowledging that the impacts of voice disorders often extend well beyond the larynx.
Conclusion: Although this review identified only a small number of studies, the findings point to clear directions for future research to better understand the lived experience of adults with voice disorders. Clinicians are urged to consider the whole person when treating voice disorders, ensuring to take note of mental health and life participation concerns.