Medical academies

The following are geographically based organizations that represent the interests of their members. They may be strictly educational or have political motivations. Members of the groups listed here are principally physicians and principally otolaryngologists.

Laryngology Organizations

European Laryngological Society

Voice Foundation

Pacific Voice Foundation
hosts a biennial conference that encourages competing ideas and opinions about voice disorders and their care.

The British Voice Association

Union of European Phoniatricians

American Bronco-Esophagologic Association

Americal Laryngological Association

Association of Phonosurgeons of India

General Otolaryngology Organizations

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
is the main group representing ear, nose, and throat surgeons in the United States. They have a very general guide on hoarseness.

The Triological Society

Association of Otolaryngologists of India

Speech Therapy Organizations

American Speech-Language Hearing Association
provides a searchable database for a speech therapists.

Oregon Speech-Language and Hearing Association
represents Speech-Language Pathologists from Oregon.

Photo collections

The following are photo collections illustrating vocal fold lesions and anatomy. (For Dr. Thomas’s photo gallery, please click here.)

  • University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology has a series of well illustrated case studies including audio and video of several common voice problems.
  • Dr. Chris Chang has a very nice photo gallery of vocal fold lesions.
  • Dr. Lucien Sulica has a very nice collection with explanations.
  • Dr. Milan Amin has collected photos and written on voice problems.
  • Dr. Kevin T. Kavanagh has a collection of vocal fold photos.
  • A few notes on voice problems from Johns Hopkins University.

More Information

The following are organizations that provide more information on voice issues and disorders.

More information on spasmodic dysphonia

  • Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a US support group that disseminates fairly balanced information regarding spasmodic dysphonia.
  • National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association (NSDA) has a site with a voice recordings of spasmodic dysphonia, although the audio quality is a bit hollow sounding (there are some recordings on our site as well).
  • International Dystonia Online Support Group is an organization with frequently updated information in dystonias and an extensive website.
  • Online Support Group Bulletin Board is a place to share opinions and information.
  • Speechless: Living with Spasmodic Dysphonia is the biography of NSDA board member Dot Sowerby's experience with spasmodic dysphonia as told to Betty Schonauer.
  • Washington State Chapter of the DMRF is a support group site with posted meeting times.
  • Index of other spasmodic dysphonia websites. The home page of this site provides information on a number of focal dystonias and is maintained by Anne Brett.
  • Another index of other spasmodic dysphonia web sites maintained by Micki Nellis.
  • NIH - the government renders a very brief opinion.
  • "The Hoarse Whisperer" is an article by a writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He details his bad initial experience with Botox. Please read Dr. Thomas’s reply to this common complaint.
  • Washington Post interview with Diane Rehm, a radio announcer for National Public Radio. She developed spasmodic dysphonia and went through a series of aggravating mis-diagnoses before being correctly diagnosed and treated for the disorder. She has used her high-profile status to raise awareness about the disorder.
  • Spasmodic dysphonia and "The Diane Rehm Show" Diane Rehm's site at radio station WAMU. On November 3, 2000 she interviewed Dr. Paul Flint of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Stephen Reich of Movement Disorders Center, and Dr. Susan Miller of the Center for the Voice at Georgetown University Hospital. You can listen to this show on RealAudio.
  • Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia has a brief blurb.
  • Dr. Jones in Texas has some opinions regarding spasmodic dysphonia. Medical references are well documented.
  • Morton Cooper, PhD is a speech therapist who does not believe in the use of Botox and presents his strong, solo opinion on therapy for spasmodic dysphonia. Much of what he shows as patients with spasmodic dysphonia are really patients with non-organic dysphonia which can mimic SD and be confusing to many physicians. Certain types of speech therapy can be very helpful for non-organic dysphonias.
  • Dr. Isshiki has been a forerunner in the development of laryngeal surgery. While his surgery may not be appropriate for the condition, here is where to find information about his approach.

Other organizations