The Efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises for Laryngeal Cancers

Investigating the Efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises in the Treatment of Voice Problems in Adults Treated With Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Cancers

The purpose of this study is to determine if the systematic practice of Vocal Function Exercises (VFE) improves selected measures of voice production in participants who have previously been irradiated for early glottic cancers compared to participants who receive the present standard of care, namely, vocal hygiene counseling. It is hypothesized that a prescriptive vocal exercise program (VFE) will improve the voice production of individuals who have been previously treated for laryngeal cancers when compared to participants who receive vocal hygiene alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hearing level and cognitive ability to follow test directions
• Laryngeal cancer
• Radiation Therapy completed >= 6 months
• Deemed disease free by the treating physician
• Subjects have to be willing to attend weekly voice therapy sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adjuvant treatment: laser or any surgical intervention
• Neurological or cognitive impairment
• Hearing levels that interfere with following test instruction
• Vocal fold paralysis