Phoniatric Aspects of Laryngeal Disorders

Phoniatric Aspects of Laryngeal Disorders Hajime Hirose, M. D. Research Institute of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo The disorder of voice is one of the most common problems of laryngeal pathologies. In the present report, phoniatric profiles of typical laryngeal disorders were presented and the relationship between the characteristics of abnormal voice and underlying laryngeal conditions was discussed. Acoustical characteristics of hoarse voice were investigated based on a psychoacoustic experiment using synthesized vowels. From clinical viewpoints, it was pointed out that it was often difficult to obtain good vocal function compatible with ideal respiratory function in the case of bilateral midline fixation of the vocal cords or laryngeal malignancy. Significance of maintaining patent laryngeal airway was emphasized as the prerequisite in these particular cases. It was expected that further development in phonosurgical approach would lead to better understanding and solution of phoniatric problems in laryngological practice.