A new clinical practice guideline offers advice to physicians assessing and treating dysphonia, or hoarseness, a condition that affects a substantial number of individuals at some point in life.
A new guideline helps physicians determine when to view vocal cords through laryngoscopy to diagnose dysphonia.
The guideline, created by an expert panel assembled by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation, seeks to offer evidence-based recommendations for managing dysphonia and to raise public awareness of the condition's prevalence and its treatment options (Schwartz SR et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;141[3]:S1-S31). According to the guideline, only about 6% of individuals seek treatment for dysphonia, which is more common in women, children, and older adults. Certain occupations have high prevalence rates, including telemarketers (31%), aerobics instructors (44%), and teachers (58%).