Multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing dysphonia

Dysphonia is a vocal apparatus disorder characterized by unusual, weak, breathy, or hoarse sounds, as well as changes in the voice quality, tone, or volume. It can be caused by various factors, including endocrine disorders or cervical spine pathology. Dysphonia rarely leads to complete loss of voice and is not directly life-threatening. However, it can lead to serious problems in professional activities (for people in voice-related professions) and everyday communication. Currently, general practitioners frequently make errors in diagnosis, treatment, and referral of patients suffering from vocal apparatus disorders. The purpose is to provide a modern understanding of dysphonia in general practice, describing the diversity of causes and diagnostic methods for various voice disorders. Results. The article outlines the main diagnostic criteria for dysphonia from a clinical perspective, based on the assessment of risk factors and details of dysphonia of various genesis. Two clinical cases of dysphonia against the background of hypothyroidism and cervical spine pathology enhance understanding of the diagnostic process and treatment strategies for vocal disorders.