Abstract
In this study, a double-blind, placebo-controlled approach was used to assess the effectiveness of hydration treatments in the clinical management of selected voice disorders. Six adult females with laryngeal nodules or polyps each received five consecutive days of a hydration treatment and five consecutive days of a placebo/control treatment. The combined results indicated improvements in voice and in laryngeal appearance following both placebo/control and hydration treatments, compared to baseline. However, the greatest improvements were obtained following the hydration treatment. Although caution about generalization of the effects to the typical clinical situation is emphasized, the study provides preliminary evidence of a therapeutic benefit from hydration treatments in patients with nodules or polyps. Based on previous theoretical work, hydration effects may be related to reductions in vocal fold tissue viscosity, although other explanations are also possible.

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