Research Review: Airway Glottic Insufficiency
Finding resources online that are trusted and worthy of clinical use can be difficult. This month's research review focuses on identifying reliable sources of clinical information and how we can use them to enhance our practice.
The article "Airway Glottic Insufficiency" by Lyris N. Onwordi and Chadwan Al Yaghchi can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538207/. This article is part of the NIH National Library of Medicine and is hosted on StatPearls, a trusted, peer-reviewed medical education platform designed for healthcare professionals. StatPearls ensures its content is written and reviewed by experts, providing up-to-date, evidence-based information.
This article covers the basics of glottic insufficiency. As we will explore in Bridging the Gap: Glottic Insufficiency in Singers, glottic insufficiency has multiple causes and treatment approaches. Research reviews like this help build foundational knowledge to support informed clinical decision-making.
Key Takeaways for Voice Clinicians
Pathophysiology of Glottic Insufficiency
The vocal folds serve a dual function: protecting the airway during swallowing and regulating airflow for voice production.
Glottic insufficiency occurs when the vocal folds fail to fully close, leading to ineffective phonation, breathiness, reduced vocal projection, and potential aspiration risks.
Compensation may occur through the false vocal folds or the contralateral vocal fold, but this can also lead to compensatory (unhelpful) vocal behaviors.
Evaluation and Diagnostic Considerations
Direct visualization of the glottis is the most precise method for assessing vocal fold movement.
Flexible laryngoscopy in a clinical setting allows for a detailed evaluation of vocal fold asymmetry, bowing, and potential lesions such as vocal fold scarring.
Videostroboscopy is essential for assessing the vibratory function of the vocal folds, detecting subtle mucosal abnormalities, and understanding functional deficits contributing to breathy phonation.
The Role of the Voice Clinician
Voice rehabilitation is critical in managing glottic insufficiency, whether as a primary intervention or alongside surgical procedures.
Voice clinicians play a key role in helping patients optimize voice production and avoid counterproductive compensations, such as excessive neck muscle tension.
Educating patients about their options in treatment can be a primary interventional target as you and your client navigate the nuance of voice care.
Conclusion
We encourage you, the voice clinician, to read the full article and continue equipping yourself with the tools you need to meet the demands of your voice clients. Staying informed with evidence-based research strengthens your clinical practice and enhances patient outcomes.
Upcoming Course: Bridging the Gap – Glottic Insufficiency in Singers
To deepen your understanding, join us for our upcoming course, Bridging the Gap: Glottic Insufficiency in Singers, on February 23rd at 12 PM EST.
This course will provide:
Case-based learning with real-world clinical scenarios.
Hands-on approaches to evaluating and treating singers with glottic insufficiency.
A collaborative environment to discuss challenges and solutions in working with this population.
We encourage you to explore the research, consider its implications for your practice, and join us for this specialized training. Stay tuned for more research reviews and resources to support your voice practice!
