Summary
The present article surveys the literature on the electrotherapy treatment for voice
disorders from the mid-18th century to World War I (1914–1918) and the post 1970s
reappearance of such therapies. The reappearance of electrotherapy as treatment for
voice disorders in the past 20 years has been heralded as a major breakthrough. In
light of our reading of the scientific literature of the 19th century, it can be shown
to repeat many of the presuppositions of electrotherapists of that time. The current
resurgence of interest and research in electrical stimulation of the larynx is buoyed
by technological innovations analogous to those in the 19th century. Although the
current state of research has enhanced our understanding of vocal fold physiology,
it does not necessarily provide a new therapeutic approach as a survey of the most
recent literature shows.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 18, 2007
Accepted:
August 24,
2006
Footnotes
Presented at the Voice Foundation 35th Annual symposium: Care of the Professional Voice May 31–June 4, 2006, The Westin Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia, PA.
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
