What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders
The Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders at Cincinnati Children's cares for children who have problems with their larynx (voice box) and vocal cords. Together, our team of ear, nose and throat physicians (also called otolaryngologists), speech-language pathologists and nurses provide personalized care for your child.
We are one of the few pediatric centers in the nation treating voice issues and offer expert, specialized care. We work closely with your family to find the treatment that will help your child meet their goals. We also stay in close contact with your child's primary care physician to ensure they have the most up-to-date information your child's health.
Find out more about the quality care you can expect when you visit the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders.
Making an Appointment at the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders
Preparing for Your Visit
We ask that you bring your child's insurance information to their appointment. If your child has a trach tube it is important that you bring their emergency kit and/or supplies as well.
You can also help your child prepare by going through this coloring book with them. This book explains what their appointment will be like so they don't feel nervous.
On the Day of Your Visit at the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders
Before Your Appointment
When arriving for an outpatient visit, we ask that you arrive in our office 15 minutes before your appointment. We provide care at our Burnet campus, which is a large facility. Please leave plenty of time to park and walk to our office.
Please contact us if you are running late for your appointment.
At Your Appointment
At the beginning of your child's visit, we will ask you questions about your child's voice, including how long they have had a problem and how that affects their day. Our team will work to get to know your child well so they can provide personalized care.
They will also perform tests such as:
- An acoustic assessment to evaluate how your child's larynx/voice box works based on measurements that include pitch and volume
- An aerodynamic assessment to measure how air flows through your child's larynx, and the amount of pressure that is created while voicing
- Laryngeal videostroboscopy that uses a special camera and light to study how your child's vocal cords vibrate
Based on your child's test results, we will tell you about the treatment options that may help them. We will carefully explain each option so you can choose the right treatment for your family. Most children with voice disorders will benefit from voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist.
During voice therapy, your child will perform exercises to improve qualities of their voice, such as volume or pitch. It's important you do these exercises at home, too, to help your child progress.
After Your Visit at the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders
You will receive a document called an "After Visit Summary" before you leave the office. It includes important information about the next steps in your child's care, including any upcoming appointments.
You will receive information from the speech-language therapist about the duration and frequency of therapy, as well as how to schedule voice therapy.
