Evidence-Based Practice

Hoarseness refers to a common but unclear term described by many patients, whereas dysphonia denotes a medical abnormality in the character and function of voice. It is the responsibility of the otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon to determine the degree of voice abnormality and severity of disease in all assessments of patients complaining of hoarseness. Multiple techniques of evaluation are available, including but not limited to patient-reported outcome measures, clinician rated measures, and laryngoscopy with or without stroboscopy. Management of patients with dysphonia can be subdivided into voice therapy, medical therapies, and surgical techniques. Indications for each technique are developing and vary based on underlying pathology.