Non-invasive methods of voice assessment and intervention [Venezuelan Society of Phoniatrics]
09-13, 10:45–11:45 (Europe/Istanbul), Phoniatrics 2

This panel explores the cutting-edge paradigm shift in voice care toward non-invasive methodologies, ranging from simple to complex. Moving beyond traditional subjective scales, we will demonstrate how modern technology—from acoustic analysis to AI-powered biofeedback—is revolutionizing how we quantify vocal function, diagnose pathologies, and deliver therapies. The session will offer a holistic view, encompassing physiological assessment to engaging, patient-centered intervention tools. Participants will gain practical knowledge on integrating these evidence-based, non-invasive techniques into clinical practice to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, patient engagement, and outcomes.

Outcomes objectives

By the end of this panel, participants will be able to: 1. Evaluate the principles and clinical applications of several non-invasive assessment tools (e.g., aerodynamic analysis, acoustic analysis) and interpret their key metrics. 2. Integrate multidimensional voice data (acoustic, aerodynamic, and vibratory) to create a comprehensive and objective profile of a patient's vocal function for differential diagnosis and baseline measurement. 3. Apply the principles of biofeedback and motor learning in the design of intervention protocols using non-invasive technologies, such as real-time visual feedback software and portable voice monitors. 4. Formulate a patient-specific management plan that leverages non-invasive methods for both initial therapy and long-term vocal load management, especially for professional voice users. 5. Anticipate future trends in telepractice and mobile health (mHealth) for voice, understanding how non-invasive tools can expand access to care and promote adherence.

Background

The field of voice disorders has long relied on clinician insight and patient self-reports, supplemented by rigorous endoscopic examinations. While invaluable, this approach can lack the objective granularity needed to track subtle changes, motivate patients, or diagnose complex biomechanical imbalances. Simultaneously, the demand for minimally invasive care is growing, driven by patient preference, the rise of telehealth, and the need to treat disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia or vocal fatigue without surgery. Technological convergence has created a new set of tools. For example, Advanced acoustic analysis extracts dozens of parameters beyond simple pitch and intensity. Together, these methods provide an unprecedented quantitative perspective on vocal health.This panel addresses the crucial need to translate these technological advances from the research laboratory to conventional clinical pathways.

To assess various non-invasive techniques for evaluating or intervening in voice problems
Ramon Hernandez-Villoria

Ramón Hernández-Villoria [ra.ˈ moŋ | eɾ.ˈ nan.des.bi. ˈʝo.ɾja.]

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7361-2919

Born and living in Venezuela, South America.

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where I graduated as Medical Doctor in 1995. Four years later I got my postgraduated degree as Specialist in Phoniatrics. Many years after I got degree as M.Sc. in  in Linguistics. From 2000 to 2020 I was Titular Professor in Instituto Universitario Venezolano de la Audición y el Lenguaje. I runned also like Invited Professor in Universidad Central de Venezuela (Occupational Medicine) Universidad de los Andes-Mérida (Applied Phonetics), Universidad Santa María (Pediatric Dentistry) and now, in Universidad de Oriente. From 2008 through 2012 I coordinated the academic teamwork that designed the non-medical National Training Program in Fonoaudiología (speech therapy and technical audiology), which led to the opening of the respective degree in seven public universities.

 I have participated as a speaker in numerous conferences on phoniatrics, language and speech therapy and audiology at an international level. In fact, I was the first native of my country to give oral presentations at the International Congress of the former International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (at Turin 2013) and World Congress of Audiology (at Melbourne, 2014). Also, I have been part of Faculty of 31<sup>st</sup> UEP (Union of European Phoniatricians) Congress in Praga, 2025.

 From 2008 to 2016 I was National Coordinator of Ministry of Health for Hearing, Voice and Speech Disabilities. In this function I developed the setting of the National Hearing Aids Laboratories Network in 16 of 24 States. Also, I set the National Neonatal Hearing Screening in 120 Hospitals in 24/24 States. Thirty two Phoniatics Services over 18 States were developed in this period.

Since 2016 I have been dedicated to private practice in my own 2008 founded clinic: "Centro Clínico de Audición y Lenguaje Cealca" and also I work in the "Hospital de Clínicas Caracas" since 2018. I focus on audiovestibular medicine, voice acoustic analysis, swallowing, language in children and adults.

I am an independent researcher, investigating about auditory electrophysiology and voice acoustic analysis. In this field, I am co-editor of the book “Voice-related biomarkers”, published in 2025.

Currently, I am a member of Union of European Phoniatricians (UEP), since 2016, and now I am integrating these UEP-Committees: Education, Hearing & Language and Biomarkers in Phoniatrics. I am a member since 2024 of the Collegium Medicorum Theatri, an international medical society on artistic voice. I have been member of International Association of Phoniatrics and Logopedic (IALP), of International Society of Audiology (ISA) as well as International Phonetics Association (IPA). Besides, I am member of International Society for Clinical Physiology and Physiopathology (ISCPP) based in Moscow. In Venezuela, I was Board Secretary of the "Sociedad Venezolana de Foniatría" since 2006 until 2022

This speaker also appears in:
Gabriela Guerra
This speaker also appears in:
jaime bracho
This speaker also appears in:
pedro malave
This speaker also appears in: