The Value of Vocal Extent Measure (VEM) Assessing Phonomicrosurgical Outcomes in Vocal Fold Polyps

Efficacy of Phonosurgery, Logopedic Voice Treatment and Vocal Pedagogy in Common Voice Problems of Singers

“…The recently introduced parameter, VEM, demonstrated significant changes with phonosurgery, logopedic treatment and vocal pedagogy in all singers. This confirmed the results of previous studies where the VEM proved to be a comprehensible and easy-to-use measure for objective evaluation of the VRP [19,45]. The standardized VRP and the data thereby determined in order to calculate the DSI are core elements in objective voice diagnostics [67].…”

“…Based on the established weighted combination of these parameters, the DSI as a recognized core part of instrumental voice evaluation was calculated to classify the voice into non-dysphonic (C 4.2) versus mildly (\ 4.2 to C 1.8), moderately (\ 1.8 to C -1.2), or severely (\ -1.2) dysphonic [49]. Additionally, the VEM as a recently introduced measure for objective assessment of vocal capacity was calculated as the relationship of the area and the perimeter of the VRP [44,45]. The underlying idea is that the VRP should not show abrupt differences in the dynamic range of notes produced by the patients along their frequency range.…”

“…The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific outcome of vocal pedagogy (singing lessons), logopedic voice therapy or phonomicrosurgery in singers who suffer from various functional and organic voice problems. Particular attention has been given to the recently introduced parameter vocal extent measure (VEM), which objectively quantifies vocal performance [44,45]. The intention has been to investigate VEM changes after therapy and to compare its performance to that of established vocal parameters including the dysphonia severity index (DSI).…”

Pathology-Related Influences on the VEM: Three Years’ Experience since Implementation of a New Parameter in Phoniatric Voice Diagnostics

“…Hence, a large vocal capacity results in a high VEM value, conversely, a small VRP is characterized by low VEM. The calculation of this measure is based on the VRP area and perimeter; the detailed mathematical derivation was presented previously [ 7 , 8 , 12 ]. The VEM is recognized as a user-friendly and easily implementable diagnostic instrument.…”

“…Four studies analyzed the VEM to assess treatment outcomes. Three investigations dealt with benign organic changes of the vocal folds (VF: 61 polyps [ 12 ], 37 nodules [ 14 ], and 60 edema [ 15 ]), another one included 152 patients with various laryngeal pathologies ( n = 101) and functional dysphonia ( n = 51) [ 1 ]. All of these clinical trials revealed significantly increased VEM values after phonomicrosurgery or conservative treatment.…”