Effectiveness of Voice Therapy in Telepractice with Patients with Hyperfunctional Voice Disorder: A Pilot Study

<b>Background</b>: The need for telepractice and digital treatment has increased due to issues this revision.regarding medical access and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in many countries, telepractice is rarely performed. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the detailed process of telepractice in patients with hyperfunctional voice disorder and investigate its effects. <b>Methods</b>: The three subjects who were enrolled in this pilot study had hyperfunctional voice disorders. The evaluation was performed face to face. Auditory perceptual evaluation, acoustic evaluation, aerodynamic evaluation, patient self-evaluation, and interviews were conducted. Treatment was delivered by telepractice using a smartphone application. <b>Results</b>: In quantitative analysis of auditory perceptual evaluation, acoustic evaluation, aerodynamic evaluation, and patient self-evaluation, all subjects showed improved voice after treatment. In-depth analysis of telepractice was performed through the interview. <b>Conclusions</b>: Telepractice was effective in patients with voice disorders, and the patients were satisfied with this approach. In addition to this pilot study, further large-scale studies are required, but telemedicine may improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction in cases where medical access is limited or during outbreaks of respiratory infections like COVID-19.