MHealth technologies in voice disorders : a scoping review

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Technological advancements in healthcare offer the potential to improve patient outcomes, clinician productivity, and access to care. Evidence on their availability, clinical application, and long-term effectiveness in voice disorders remains unclear, highlighting the need for a comprehensive scoping review. AIM : To map and describe existing evidence on the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies for the early detection, assessment, and treatment of voice disorders. METHODS : A scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist (PRISMA-ScR) to ensure a comprehensive and systematic approach. RESULTS : Eighty-four studies were included, predominantly published between 2016 and 2025 and conducted in mostly high-income countries. Most focused on adult populations (67%) and the use of smartphones (51%) or telehealth platforms (19%). The mHealth solutions primarily targeted neurological (27%) and functional voice disorders (20%) and have demonstrated feasibility, accessibility, and potential for early detection, monitoring, and treatment. Most studies (31%) relied on acoustic assessments, while only 4% used gold-standard laryngeal imaging techniques, such as stroboscopy or endoscopy. CONCLUSION : mHealth technologies have the potential to enhance accessibility, equity, and cost-effectiveness in voice disorder care, particularly in underserved regions. Further research is needed to expand applications in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, especially incorporating laryngeal imaging, as these solutions could potentially transform care into a preventative and globally sustainable model.