Hi, Peace,These days, most ENTs who specialize in voice disorders can make the diagnosis w/in a matter of a 10 minute office visit. It shouldn't be a long complicated drawn out process unless they are less familiar with the diagnosis of laryngeal dystonias or one's case of SD is atypical.
When you say voice specialist, do you mean a speech therapist or an actual MD? These days, I'd go to an ENT who specializes in SD and other voice disorders for a good diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
No hoop jumping should be involved, unless perhaps you have an HMO insurance that puts up walls with referrals. Otherwise, you can make your own appointments. There are a lot of excellent ENTs all over the country who treat this so if you let us know where you're from, we can make you aware of the ones in your area.
Some people w/ SD complain that it takes a lot of effort to talk so that could cause a type of soreness or muscle tiredness. When you vocal folds spasm open or closed involuntarily, it can take more effort to talk (especially if you overcompensate) leading to straining.
An SD voice can fluctuate but rarely seems to go away permanently. It wouldn't be like having SD one week and then being 100% symptom free the next. My guess is sometimes people may just be more "ok" with their symptoms at different times even if they are still audible to others.
Good luck and welcome to the NSDA bulletin board,
Laurie
