Redirected phonation is primarily used for which diagnosis?

Redirected phonation is a therapeutic technique primarily employed for individuals experiencing functional dysphonia or aphonia. This condition often involves a disruption in the typical voice production process, where there may not be any physiological abnormalities present in the vocal folds, but the patient is unable to produce voice effectively.

Redirected phonation focuses on encouraging the individual to utilize alternative vocal techniques or explore different sound-making strategies to restore voice functionality without straining their vocal mechanism. The approach is beneficial because it helps to bypass maladaptive voice behaviors, leading to improved vocal quality and more efficient phonation without excessive tension.

This technique is less applicable to conditions such as muscle tension dysphonia or vocal fold nodules, where the voice issues stem from different underlying pathologies. In contrast, excessive laryngeal elevation is not typically addressed through redirected phonation but may involve other therapeutic interventions targeting laryngeal mechanics. Thus, redirected phonation offers a targeted method of treatment specifically advantageous for those dealing with functional dysphonia or aphonia.