Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
[Voice handicap in patients with organic and functional dysphonia]
S Weigelt1, S Krischke, M Klotz
1Abteilung Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie des Klinikum der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Background:
The goal of this study was to assess and compare voice handicap in patients with benign organic and functional dysphonia.
Patients And Methods:
Voice handicap was assessed using a German version of the Voice Handicap Index. A total of 108 German speaking patients, 64 women and 44 men aged 45.3+/-15.1 years with benign organic ( n=69) or functional ( n=39) voice disorders completed the questionnaire immediately after clinical examination and without knowing their individual diagnosis. Fifty individuals without voice complaints and normal voice status, 28 women and 22 men aged 47.1+/-15.5 years, served as controls.
Results:
Significant differences ( P<0.001) were found between all dysphonic patients and the control group. When comparing dysphonic patients according to their gender and diagnosis group (organic or functional) no significant differences were detected.
Conclusion:
It can no longer be assumed that patients with functional voice disorders over emphasize their disease. The data obtained in this study prove that there are no gender specific differences in the way a voice disorder is experienced. There are also no differences in the way patients with a different language background experience their voice handicap.
Related Concept Videos
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Prosopagnosia
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Esophageal Achalasia
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Taste Buds and Receptors