Here is an overview of what might happen before, during, and after your appointment with an ENT:

Preparing for Your ENT Visit

• Referral for Appointment: In many cases, you may need a referral from your family or general doctor. If possible ask for a referral to a voice clinic to see a laryngologist.
• Paperwork: Yes, there will be paperwork to fill out before your appointment. For example, new patient paperwork, insurance paperwork and more.
• Medications: If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is a good idea to have a list of these medications with you. This information is essential to help the doctor determine if other prescriptions are needed or how your current medication use might be affecting your voice. '

What to Expect at the First Appointment

Here is an overview of what will happen during your appointment:

• Exam and Conversation: The doctor will ask about your detailed medical history. In some clinics, you will be meeting with both the doctor and the voice therapist (speech-language pathologist). Be sure to provide full details about your health, why you came, the timeline of your symptoms, and any other applicable information that might be related. Next, the physical examination will be completed. This exam varies depending on your symptoms. Special instruments are used to see inside the throat. You may need both rigid stroboscopy and flexible laryngoscopy, during which you are asked to make sounds, change your pitch, breathe or swallow. These examination tools will not hurt, they are used so the doctor can see into the hard-to-reach areas.
• Ask Questions: Bring your questions. Write them on a piece of paper because you may forget to ask them. This is your time. Make sure that you really understand what your voice problem is all about and what is going to happen next.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: The initial examination will provide the information needed to determine the best way to move forward. Your ENT might recommend additional testing, medication, or next steps. Always ask if voice therapy is recommended and if so, ask for a referral to see a voice therapist (speech-language pathologist) who is associated with the voice clinic. 

What Happens After?

The majority of people attending a voice clinic require treatment by a speech therapist, surgery is only occasionally required and is often undertaken after, or in combination with speech therapy. You may be prescribed medications or you may be told to follow some lifestyle changes. Make sure that you understand what your next steps are. 

If you need voice therapy, you will be offered trial therapy or put on a wait list. Make sure you understand when you can start your therapy, how often and how many sessions you will be able to receive. There may be limitations depending on where you live.