Adult Voice Disorders & Voice Therapy

You may have a voice disorder if:

• Your voice is not adequately functioning in activities of daily life (work, school, family, social events).

• You have noticed a change in how your voice sounds. It may sound raspy, strained, breathy, tight, low, too quiet, too loud, voice breaks, or have pitch breaks.

• You have noticed difficulty projecting your voice or sustaining your voice throughout the day.

• You have noticed pain, soreness or fatigue while using your voice.

Voice therapy is beneficial for a diverse range of individuals facing various vocal challenges. These may include:

• Individuals experiencing persistent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or difficulty projecting their voice

• Professional voice users, such as singers, actors, and public speakers, who would like to benefit from specialized interventions to optimize vocal technique, endurance, and overall vocal health.

• Individuals with vocal nodules, polyps, cysts, or or other structural abnormalities

• Those experiencing paresis, paralysis, or vocal fold bowing

• Individuals with laryngopharyngeal reflux

• Puberphonia

• Individuals with spasmodic dysphonia

• Paradoxical vocal fold motion - this may appear a cough, difficulty breathing, or a choking sensation

• Difficulties associated with vocal aging

• Individuals with stress-related vocal issues

• Individuals seeking to refine their vocal expression for personal or professional reasons and would like to find tailored support

• Those with neurological disorders

Whether aiming to overcome specific vocal difficulties or enhance overall communication, voice therapy is designed to empower individuals with the tools and techniques needed to achieve clear, confident, and resonant speech.

Our adult voice disorder services commence with a comprehensive and thorough assessment designed to unravel the intricacies of each client’s vocal profile. Our certified speech-language pathologists employ a multifaceted approach to identify the underlying factors contributing to voice disorders. These may include:

Voice Analysis: An in-depth voice analysis is conducted to evaluate pitch, volume, quality, and resonance. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual's current vocal capabilities and highlights specific areas requiring attention.

Laryngeal Examination: You may be referred for a laryngeal examination may be employed to assess the physical health of the vocal folds and surrounding structures. This helps identify any structural abnormalities or physiological factors contributing to voice difficulties.

History and Lifestyle Assessment: Understanding the broader context, we delve into our client’s history and lifestyle to identify potential triggers or habitual practices that may be impacting vocal health. This holistic approach contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the individual's unique challenges.

Perceptual Assessment: Incorporating perceptual assessment, we gather subjective insights into how the individual perceives their own voice and the challenges they face in various communication contexts. This patient-centered approach informs the development of targeted therapy goals.

Tailored Interventions for Vocal Rehabilitation

Armed with insights from the assessment, our adult voice disorder therapy services are designed to address the root causes of vocal challenges and empower individuals to achieve a clear, confident, and resonant voice. Intervention approaches may include:

Vocal Hygiene Education: Fundamental to voice rehabilitation is the cultivation of optimal vocal hygiene habits. Our therapists provide education on vocal health, including proper hydration, avoiding vocal strain, and strategies for maintaining vocal well-being in daily activities.

Voice Therapy Techniques: Targeted voice therapy techniques are employed to address specific aspects of voice production, such as breath support, pitch control, and resonance. Exercises are tailored to the individual's unique needs, promoting efficient and healthy vocalization.

Resonance and Articulation Exercises: Resonance and articulation exercises play a crucial role in optimizing vocal quality and clarity. These exercises target the precise modulation of sound within the vocal tract, contributing to improved resonance and articulation in speech.

Pitch and Intonation Training: For individuals grappling with pitch and intonation irregularities, our therapy includes specialized training to enhance control over these vocal elements. This fosters a more dynamic and expressive vocal range.

Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches: Recognizing the interconnectedness of voice and psychological factors, cognitive-behavioral approaches are integrated to address stress-related vocal issues. Techniques to manage anxiety and tension contribute to sustained vocal well-being.

Technology-Assisted Interventions: Leveraging technological advancements, we incorporate voice therapy apps and tools to enhance the learning experience and provide individuals with resources for continued practice between therapy sessions.

Voice therapy has been demonstrated to be effective for hoarseness across the lifespan from children to older adults (Ramig & Verdolini, 1998; Thomas & Stemple, 2007). Voice therapy is the first line of treatment for vocal fold lesions like vocal nodules, polyps, or cysts (Anderson & Sataloff, 2002; Johns, 2003. These lesions often occur in people with vocally intense occupations like teachers, attorneys, or clergymen (Roy et al., 2001). Another possible cause of these lesions is vocal overdoing often seen in sports enthusiasts; in socially active, aggressive, or loud children; or in high-energy adults who often speak loudly (Boone et al., 2005; Rubin et al., 2006; Stemple et al., 2000; Trani et al., 2007).