Voice Disorders in Fibromyalgia

Abdul-Latif Hamdan, MD, EMBA, FACS is currently a Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Head of the Division of Laryngology and Director of " Hamdan Voice Unit" at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Adjunct Professor at the Department of the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine. He is the author of 200 publications and 10 books. He is the founder of the "Hamdan Voice and Swallowing Unit" at AUBMC, the Lebanese Voice Association, the "Hamdan International Award" at the Voice Foundation, and the Voice Foundation Lebanon chapterRobert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS is Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine.  He also holds Adjunct Professorships in the Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and he is on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts.  He serves as conductor of the Thomas Jefferson University Choir.  Dr. Sataloff is also a professional singer and singing teacher.  He holds an undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Music Theory and Composition; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from Combs College of Music; and he completed Residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellowship in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Michigan.  Dr. Sataloff is Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Voice Foundation and of the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research.  He also has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Graduate Hospital; President of the American Laryngological Association, the International Association of Phonosurgery, the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and The American Society of Geriatric Otolaryngology, and in numerous other leadership positions.  Dr. Sataloff is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice; Editor Emeritus of Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; Associate Editor of the Journal of Singing; on the Editorial Board of Medical Problems of Performing Artists and other journals, and is an editorial reviewer for numerous otolaryngology journals. He has written over 1,500 publications including 78 books, and he has been awarded more than $5 million in research funding.  His H-index is 48 (as of March 2025).  He has invented more than 75 laryngeal microsurgical instruments distributed currently by Integra Medical, ossicular replacement prostheses produced by Grace Medical, and a novel laryngeal prosthesis.  He holds two patents on unique laryngeal surgical devices.  His medical practice is limited to care of the professional voice and to otology/neurotology/skull base surgery.  Dr. Sataloff has been recognized by Best Doctors in America (Woodward White Athens) every year since 1992, Philadelphia Magazine since 1997, and Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Doctors” since 2002.Mary J. Hawkshaw, BSN, RN, CORLN, Research Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Initiatives in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Voice Foundation since 1990. She has been associated with Dr. Robert Sataloff, Philadelphia Ear, Nose & Throat Associates and the American Institute for Voice & Ear Research (AIVER) since 1986. She has served as Secretary/Treasurer of AIVER since 1988 and was named Executive Director of AIVER in January 2000.

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice.- 3. Evaluation of Patients with Voice Disorders.- 4. Fibromyalgia: Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology and Diagnosis.- 5. Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Fibromyalgia.- 6. Breathing Disorders in Fibromyalgia: Is the Power Source of Voice in Jeopardy.- 7. Gastro-intestinal disorders in Fibromyalgia and their Impact on Voice.- 8.  Rheumatologic Diseases in Fibromyalgia and Impact on Voice.- 9. Pain, Central Sensitization in Fibromyalgia and Voice.- 10. Impact of reduced muscle strength in Fibromyalgia on Voice.- 11.  Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia and its effects on voice.- 12. The effect on Voice of Sleep Disorders in Fibromyalgia.- 13. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Fibromyalgia and Voice.- 14. Obesity in patients with Fibromyalgia and its impact on voice.- 15. Treatment of Fibromyalgia.- 16. Conclusion.