The initial assessment of the voice begins the moment the patient enters the room — the doctor observes how the patient speaks and forms the first sentences. From this, the physician can already get an idea about the presence or absence of a vocal pathology.
Since the vocal folds are located in the larynx, visual examination used to be difficult in the past. Nowadays, modern tools and imaging systems make this process much easier and more precise.
Voice is a physical phenomenon with measurable parameters. Therefore, its physical characteristics are first analyzed, followed by endoscopic examination if necessary.
How is the voice examined?
• A microphone is used for the test.
• The microphone is held about 20–30 cm from the patient’s mouth.
• Specialized software records and analyzes the sound, producing graphs and diagrams for the doctor’s evaluation.
Special cases
A common condition in adolescent boys called “mutational falsetto” (voice change during puberty) can be examined using simple voice analysis applications.
The patient may be asked to:
• Sustain a single tone for 6 seconds,
• Read a short passage aloud,
• Or count from 1 to 10.
Additionally, the voice register can be assessed using a device known as a phonetogram.