Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is a specialized treatment approach that aims to improve the health, function, and overall quality of the voice. It involves a variety of techniques and exercises designed to optimize vocal function, reduce strain on the vocal cords, and promote healthy voice use habits. Voice therapy is typically provided by licensed and certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have undergone specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders.

The primary goal of voice therapy is to rehabilitate the patient's voice to a level of function that enables them to meet their daily voice and speech communication needs. This may involve eliminating harmful vocal behaviors, shaping healthy vocal techniques, and assisting in vocal fold wound healing after surgery or injury.

Who is voice therapy for?

Voice therapy can benefit individuals of all ages experiencing voice problems or disorders that affect the quality, pitch, loudness, or overall function of their voice. This includes professional voice users like singers, actors, teachers, and public speakers, as well as those with voice disorders resulting from various causes such as vocal misuse/overuse, vocal cord lesions, neurological conditions, or surgery.

Some common signs that you may benefit from voice therapy include hoarseness, vocal fatigue, reduced vocal range, complete loss of voice, frequent throat clearing, and throat discomfort when speaking. Voice therapy is also valuable for transgender individuals seeking to modify their voice to better align with their gender identity.

What specific health conditions is voice therapy beneficial for?

Voice therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of voice disorders stemming from various causes. These include vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts, which are benign growths that develop on the vocal cords due to misuse or overuse. Muscle tension dysphonia, a condition where excessive muscle tension in the neck and larynx affects voice production, can also be addressed through voice therapy.

Other conditions that may benefit from voice therapy are spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal cords; vocal cord paralysis or paresis, which can occur due to nerve damage or injury; and laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx that can be acute or chronic. Age-related voice changes (presbyphonia), persistent adolescent voice in adult males (puberphonia), and voice disorders related to Parkinson's disease can also be managed with voice therapy.

Additionally, voice therapy can help with vocal fold scarring or sulcus vocalis, which are structural abnormalities of the vocal cords, as well as functional voice disorders resulting from vocal misuse or overuse. In many cases, voice therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment before considering surgical interventions and may be used in conjunction with medical treatments like anti-reflux medication for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

What are the risks associated with voice therapy?

Voice therapy is generally considered a safe and non-invasive treatment approach with minimal risks when performed under the guidance of a qualified speech-language pathologist. The main risk is potential vocal strain or fatigue if exercises are performed incorrectly or too aggressively. However, your therapist will carefully monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to avoid any adverse effects.

Who can practice voice therapy?

Voice therapy should only be practiced by licensed and certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have received specialized training in voice disorders and treatment techniques. While other healthcare professionals like laryngologists (ENTs) may be involved in diagnosing and medically managing voice disorders, the actual delivery of voice therapy falls within the scope of practice of SLPs. In some cases, respiratory therapists and voice coaches may also be involved in certain aspects of treatment, but the primary provider is the SLP.

How to choose the right voice therapy practitioner for you?

When selecting a voice therapy practitioner, it is essential to verify that the practitioner is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with advanced training in voice disorders. Look for a practitioner who has extensive experience evaluating and treating voice disorders similar to your specific condition, as they will be better equipped to understand your unique needs and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

It is also crucial to choose a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable communicating openly. A strong therapeutic alliance is key to achieving optimal results, so the practitioner should take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns, goals, and expectations from voice therapy.

Practical factors should also be considered when choosing a voice therapy practitioner. These include the location of the practice, availability of appointments that fit your schedule, and whether they accept your insurance or offer affordable self-pay rates. By taking these factors into account, you can find a practitioner who not only has the necessary expertise but also provides accessible and convenient care.

What does a typical session of voice therapy look like?

A typical voice therapy session is tailored to your individual needs and goals, but generally includes assessment of vocal function, education about vocal anatomy and healthy voice use, and practice of specific exercises designed to improve vocal technique. The therapist provides guidance and feedback to help the client master these techniques. Daily home practice of the exercises is essential for progress.

What does a virtual session of voice therapy look like?

Virtual voice therapy sessions are conducted remotely using secure video conferencing platforms. The structure and content of a virtual session closely mirror that of a traditional in-office visit, with the therapist guiding you through assessments, education, demonstrations, and real-time feedback. The main difference is that you'll be performing the exercises in your own home environment, which can actually enhance the transfer of skills to your everyday life.

What can you expect after a session of voice therapy?

After a voice therapy session, you may experience some temporary vocal fatigue as your voice adjusts to the new techniques and patterns of use. This is a normal part of the retraining process and should subside with consistent practice. Over time, you can expect to notice improvements in your vocal quality, stamina, and overall control. You may find that your voice feels stronger, clearer, and more responsive to the demands of your daily communication needs.

The total duration of voice therapy varies depending on the severity and nature of your voice disorder, but most people start to see meaningful progress within several weeks to months of regular treatment. Maintaining the gains made in therapy requires an ongoing commitment to vocal hygiene and the healthy voice techniques learned in treatment.