The Voice Clinic at the USC Speech & Hearing Research Center offers evaluation and treatment for persons with organic, functional, and neurological voice disorders. Assessment, intervention and research protocols are carried out by certified speech-language pathologists and graduate level clinicians under their direct supervision. The voice diagnostic protocol includes extensive case history including: medical, surgical, lifestyle, occupational, or emotional factors that may be causing or contributing a decrease in voice quality; perceptual judgments of voice quality; acoustic and aerodynamic measurements; stimulablity for voice improvement through therapy; and videoendoscopy with stroboscopy. Videoendoscopy with stroboscopy is a special way to view not only the structure, but also the function of the larynx and vocal folds. Following the evaluation, the patient watches the movie of their vocal folds and is able to see what is causing the voice problem. The speech-language pathologist discusses possible behavioral treatment options and work with the patient’s ENT to provide care. If voice therapy is warranted, the patient is enrolled in an individualized program which may include: vocal hygiene education, decreasing muscle tension, laryngeal massage, resonant voice therapy, vocal function exercises, and many more types of research-proven treatment methods.

For more information, contact Dr. Heather Shaw Bonilha or Dr. Dimitar Deliyski.

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