Voice Therapy

What is voice therapy?

Voice therapy is a technique administered by a speech therapist to treat voice disorders.

Voice disorders may develop from overuse and/or misuse of voice, changes during puberty, paresis of vocal cords, and/or other medical conditions. Some common symptoms of voice problems include hoarseness, breathy and raspy voice, loss of ability to attain some high notes while singing, or reduced loudness in voice.

Speech therapists are specialists with the knowledge and experience to evaluate, treat and support individuals with voice problems.

Why do you need voice therapy?

By promoting proper voice use, reducing vocal strain, and improving vocal function, voice therapy can help individuals to achieve improved voice quality, reduced discomfort, and better overall communication skills.

Common voice-related conditions that voice therapy can treat include:

• Hoarseness
• Vocal cord paralysis
• Vocal cord lesions / growths
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Muscle tension dysphonia

You may also be recommended to visit a voice therapist if you frequently experience one or more of the following:

• You are often asked to repeat what you say
• You have to make a great deal of effort to use your voice
• You are unable to control the clarity of your voice
• You have a hoarse/raspy/breathy voice even when you are not sick
• You avoid social gatherings because of your voice
• You often get asked: “What is wrong with your voice?”

At Parkway Rehab centres, our voice therapy services include:

• Education and counselling
• Voice assessment and therapy
• Before and after voice surgery

What can you expect during voice therapy?

In a typical voice therapy session, you will meet with a licensed speech-language pathologist who specialises in voice therapy. The first session will typically involve an assessment of your voice, which may include measurements of pitch, loudness, and vocal quality. You will also be asked questions about your medical history, vocal habits, and lifestyle.

Based on the assessment, the therapist will develop a customised treatment plan to address your specific voice concerns. This plan may include exercises to strengthen and coordinate the muscles used in speaking and breathing, as well as strategies for reducing vocal strain and optimising vocal hygiene.

During subsequent sessions, your therapist will work with you to practice these exercises and strategies, often using a variety of techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises, vocal warm-ups, movement or posture exercises and articulation drills. The therapist will provide feedback on your progress, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and offer advice on how to maintain vocal health outside of therapy.