A voice problem may be a change in pitch, loudness or vocal quality which draws attention to itself rather than to what is being said. A voice problem may include pain, discomfort of fatigue. Voice therapy involves vocal and physical exercises combined with behavioral changes. Hoag speech language pathologists assess and treat a variety of voice disorders upon physician referral. Because the symptoms are so varied the treatment and goals for your voice are tailored to your personal needs.Some common signs of a voice disorder include:
Hoarseness
Loss of voice, voice breaks
Changes in pitch
Shortness of breath while speaking or singing
Difficulty maintain/initiating soft voice
Difficulty maintain/initiating loud voice
Sore or scratchy throat
Vocal fatigue when talking
Neck and/or jaw muscle tension
Loss of singing range
Constant throat-clearing or coughing
Dry throat or mouth
Tickling or choking sensation
Difficulty swallowing
Lump in throat
Frequent bad breath
Excess mucous or phlegm
Acidic taste in mouth
Assessment and treatment may involve:
Perceptual clinical assessment of the vocal mechanism
Identify factors contributing to voice problems
Education on environmental irritants, vocal use, adequate hydration, avoidance of phonotraumatic behaviors and control of health issues – reflux, allergies and asthma
Establishing a phonation pattern that does not cause damage – addresses pitch, loudness, intonation, phonation, breathing and resonance
Vocal function exercises to achieve optimal stamina, strength and coordination of breath support, phonation and resonance.
Acoustic and objective analysis
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT – Loud). This program specifically addresses patients with Parkinson Disease. This program retrains self-perception of appropriate loudness for improved intelligibility. This is an intensive 4 week, 16 session program.