BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the population suffers from voice disorders. The use of mobile phone technology in healthcare is increasing, and this includes applications that can analyze voice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the potential for voice analyzer applications to aid the management of voice disorders. METHODS: A literature search was conducted yielding eight studies which were further analyzed. RESULTS: Seven out of the eight studies concluded that smartphone assessments were comparable to current techniques. Nevertheless there remained some common issues with using applications such as; voice parameters used; voice pathology tested; smartphone software consistency and microphone specifications. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that further developments are required before a mobile application can be used widely in voice analysis. However, promising results have been obtained thus far, and the benefits of mobile technology in this field, particularly in voice rehabilitation, warrant further research into its widespread implementation.
BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the population suffers from voice disorders. The use of mobile phone technology in healthcare is increasing, and this includes applications that can analyze voice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the potential for voice analyzer applications to aid the management of voice disorders. METHODS: A literature search was conducted yielding eight studies which were further analyzed. RESULTS: Seven out of the eight studies concluded that smartphone assessments were comparable to current techniques. Nevertheless there remained some common issues with using applications such as; voice parameters used; voice pathology tested; smartphone software consistency and microphone specifications. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that further developments are required before a mobile application can be used widely in voice analysis. However, promising results have been obtained thus far, and the benefits of mobile technology in this field, particularly in voice rehabilitation, warrant further research into its widespread implementation.