The voice rehabilitation process begins with a comprehensive voice assessment, at which time a thorough case history is completed to identify the factors that contributed to your vocal difficulties. Recordings of the voice are taken in order to perform an acoustic analysis of voice quality and the muscles surrounding the larynx (voice box) are palpated to determine tension.

 

Following the assessment, a voice therapy program is developed. This program is specifically tailored to your diagnosis, history, learning style, and vocal demands. Typically, sessions occur on a weekly basis with recommendations for practice between sessions. Most voice disorders are highly responsive to short-term voice therapy, especially when clients are motivated and active participants. The ultimate goal is to rehabilitate the voice while providing education so that the issue is resolved and future injuries are avoided.

 

Recommendations and exercises may include:

• Vocal exercises specifically aimed to

  • encourage vocal fold healing, if present

  • reduce effort when speaking/singing

  • improve breath support

  • enhance quality, stamina and reliability of the voice

• Massage of the neck muscles and/or stretches to reduce tension.

• Recommendations for changes in home, work or school environments, including consultation with employers, teachers, etc.

• Education to help family, friends and colleagues understand strategies needed for healthy voice production.

• Recommendations for voice amplification or voice substitution devices, which can be funded by the government.

• Recommendations for referral to other health care professionals. This may allow you to maximize use of your extended health benefits while addressing the problem from a holistic point of view, therefore speeding up the rate of recovery.