Tech alone cannot help treat voice disorders: Expert

Technology helps in early detection of voice-related disorders, but therapists can arrive at a judgment to treat people only with the judicious use of knowledge and analysis, said JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing Director N P Nataraja.

Addressing the gathering, during a national workshop on voice assessment, organised at All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), here, on Wednesday, Nataraja said: “Technology has helped overcome difficulties faced earlier in detection of such disorders. However, the results obtained with the help of technology (aids) alone cannot be the basis to arrive at a judgment. It is only with the application of knowledge and analytical abilities, a suitable decision can be taken”. Not many people diagnosed with disability are ready to accept reality. Such a mindset can be addressed only by creating awareness among the people, he said.

T V Ananthapadmanabha, chief executive officer of Voice and Speech Systems, Bengaluru, said, “It is important to have an understanding of using aids to detect voice disorders. The results obtained should be studied scientifically, before deciding on therapy”.

AIISH Director S R Savithri suggested an uniform model to detect voice disorders, as different institutes practice varied methods.