Our Summary

This research paper discusses how smartphones and wearable devices can be used to detect problems with vocal cords. The authors analyzed previous studies that used advanced computer algorithms, or “deep learning models,” to automatically analyze voice samples and diagnose vocal cord issues.

They looked into medical studies published from 2002 to 2022, which used these deep learning techniques to identify various vocal cord conditions like nodules, polyps, cysts, paralysis, and even cancer.

The findings show that these techniques often correctly identified the conditions, with accuracy above 90% in most cases. However, the authors noted that many of the studies investigated had a high risk of bias and relevance issues.

Overall, the authors concluded that this technology could be very useful for identifying vocal cord issues, but more research is needed to develop larger-scale solutions.

FAQs

  1. How can smartphones and wearable devices be used to detect vocal cord problems?
  2. What kind of vocal cord conditions can deep learning models identify?
  3. What are the limitations in using deep learning models to diagnose vocal cord issues?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include resting your voice, avoiding talking or whispering for a certain period of time, staying hydrated, and attending any follow-up appointments as scheduled. Following these guidelines can help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications after vocal cord surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with severe vocal cord dysfunction, such as nodules, polyps, cysts, paralysis, and cancer. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s ability to speak and may require surgical intervention to improve vocal function.

Patients with chronic or recurrent vocal cord issues that do not respond to conservative treatments like voice therapy or medications may also be candidates for vocal cord surgery. Additionally, individuals with structural abnormalities of the vocal cords, such as congenital malformations or scarring from previous surgeries or injuries, may benefit from surgical correction.

In some cases, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for patients with voice changes or hoarseness that are impacting their quality of life or ability to perform daily activities. Before undergoing surgery, patients will typically undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the underlying cause of their vocal cord issues and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, throat pain, and voice fatigue.
  2. Patient visits an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who performs a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests like laryngoscopy or imaging studies.
  3. If vocal cord issues are confirmed, the patient undergoes voice therapy to try to improve symptoms.
  4. If voice therapy is unsuccessful or if the condition is severe, the patient may be recommended for vocal cord surgery.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which can involve procedures such as vocal cord polyp or nodule removal, vocal cord paralysis treatment, or vocal cord cancer treatment.
  2. Recovery from vocal cord surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. It may involve voice rest, speech therapy, and follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist.
  3. Patient may experience temporary changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or weakness, as the vocal cords heal.
  4. Over time, with proper care and rehabilitation, the patient’s voice may improve and return to normal or near-normal function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What specific condition do I have that requires vocal cord surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery for my particular condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
  5. Will I need speech therapy or other treatments after the surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to regain my voice after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
  8. How many times have you performed this type of vocal cord surgery, and what is your success rate?
  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make post-surgery to improve my vocal cord health?

Reference

Authors: Tessler I, Primov-Fever A, Soffer S, Anteby R, Gecel NA, Livneh N, Alon EE, Zimlichman E, Klang E. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Feb;281(2):863-871. doi: 10.1007/s00405-023-08362-6. Epub 2023 Dec 13. PMID: 38091100