What's Your Baseline?
February 25, 2019
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If you are a professional or occupational voice user, it is very important to get a “baseline scope” (called a videostroboscopy) of your vocal folds, a.k.a. your instrument. This is a term for an instrumental exam (a scope that may either go in the nose or the mouth depending on the office and/or the equipment used) that is performed to view the anatomy, structure, function, and vibratory dynamics of the vocal folds/larynx, and is also considered an essential tool for truly “finding out” the answer to the constantly asked question, “What is going on with my voice?”. This will provide a video, pictures, and descriptive information about your larynx (voicebox) at “normal”, which is very important for comparison if/when any changes occur. Similar to how athletes are required to get an annual physical (when in healthy condition), you—as a vocal athlete—should consider a baseline videostroboscopy just like a physical for your voice.
Why wait until something is wrong to have a professional view your larynx and vocal folds with a scope that can pick up on all the details of your anatomy and how it is functioning? What instrument would you play without first learning all you could about its condition and how to most efficiently and effectively play it? The same idea goes for a car—what “used” car would you buy and not ensure a full “check up” prior to purchase and use?
Be proactive, and be aware of what your vocal instrument looks like when it’s healthy (or at whatever your personal “baseline” is)! This can also guide you in ways to make your instrument even healthier and assist you in noticing changes more quickly, which promotes faster action to improving vocal health. Education is power—the more you know, the better equipped you are to take care of your voice, use it in the most effective and efficient ways, and prevent future vocal injury. In addition, if any vocal "change" does occur in the future, having pictures of your “baseline” to look back upon is very important in identifying causes of change, assisting in modification of vocal habits or patterns, and getting you back to your “normal” voice.
Be sure to actually listen to your voice and what it is expressing to you through quality (what it sounds like), stamina (how long it can last), and also what it feels like (tight, strained, effortful, “stuck” back in your throat, “on fire”, light, easy, etc.). If your voice reveals changes in quality or function (however small or large they may be), it might be a good time to consider a (repeat) videostroboscopy (if you haven't done so yet). A specific research study found that after videostroboscopy, 50% of patients' diagnoses were altered (when compared to the original nasopharyngeal scope that does not fully assess voice or vocal function)—therefore amplifying the importance of the details in anatomy and function that a videostroboscopy provides (Cohen et. al, 2015).
In having this “baseline scope” performed, you as the vocal athlete are also creating and forming a relationship with your “voice doctor” (whether this is a laryngologist or ENT) and speech pathologist specializing in voice if applicable. This in itself is very beneficial for you as a vocal athlete, because this is a passionate and specialized voice care team to have on your side and by your side, ready to help you if/when necessary—or just to guide you on your vocal journey and assist you in becoming your best vocal self. It also removes the fear-based and/or negative stigma of being involved with the medical community for your voice care because “something is wrong”. Nothing may be wrong at all at baseline and you will be creating and strengthening a bond with a supportive and knowledge-based care team who enjoys helping you learn all about your instrument and how to protect, care for, and use it in the best ways possible.
Baseline videostroboscopy and relationship development with medical voice professionals are both proactive steps in the right vocal direction, especially if you plan on a long career in using your voice to make a difference in this world.
Sidenote: Ideally, this concept of a “baseline scope” will be a new goal of yours, but if you have been “hoarse” for longer than two weeks or have noticed a sudden change in voice, see a voice-specialized medical professional right away. #voxfit
