Speech, swallowing and voice therapy is known to help patients 1) recognize and compensate for their limitations, 2) improve efficiency in voice production or swallowing, and 3) address ways to compensate for an impairment in order to improve function. However, there is a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from chronic cough to Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion that respond to respiratory retraining therapy. Although behavioral in nature, this type of therapy takes advantage of neuroplasticity, which is also seen with dysphagia rehabilitation.

Similarly, vocal fold scarring can be a severe problem resulting in poor voice function. Behavioral therapies may also affect changes with vocal fold vibration through tissue plasticity. Investigations are underway in the following areas:

• Treatments of chronic cough and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion using laryngeal desensitization therapy and respiratory retraining
• Combined treatments for stiff or scarred vocal cords
• Development of new tools for measuring the singing voice (VRP) and vocal cord elasticity (device)

Publications and Presentations

1. Altman KW, Irwin RS, “Cough: A new frontier in otolaryngology,” Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 144: 348-52, 2011.
2. Prufer N, Woo P, Altman KW, “Pulsed Dye and other Laser Treatment for Vocal Scar,” in Laryngology and Bronchoesophagology, PC Belafsky, ed. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 18: 492-497, 2010.
3. Mortenson MM, Woo P, Ivey C, Thompson C, Carroll L, Altman K, “The use of the pulse dye laser in the treatment of vocal fold scar: A preliminary study,” Laryngoscope, 118: 1884-1888, 2008.