Voice Therapy

"The human voice is the organ of the soul."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What Is a Voice Disorder?

An abnormality in pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice, given an individual's age, gender, and stature (body size) within a given culture.

Voice problems can interfere with an individual's ability to communicate. Some voice problems, such as spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a form of dystonia, result in a severe communication disorder that interferes with a person's professional and social life. Vocal fold paralysis a neurological disorder, can reduce one's voice to a whisper.

Other, more common conditions such as nodules, polyps, and contact ulcers, which result from phonotrauma, can impair one's ability to communicate effectively.

Who is at Risk of Developing a Voice Disorder?

Any individual whose occupation imposes great vocal demands such as teachers, clergy, salespersons, attorneys, receptionists/telemarketers, professional users of the voice - Individuals who work in noisy environments are also at high risk of developing voice problems.

    Managing Voice Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

The evaluation and treatment of a voice disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to obtain a precise diagnosis and plan appropriate intervention. Minimally, the diagnosis of a voice disorder requires an evaluation by a laryngologist (ENT specializing in voice) and a speech-language pathologist experienced in voice. Additional diagnostic information may be sought from a neurologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, or other professional, when appropriate. Following a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of a voice problem, a team decision regarding the most appropriate intervention is made. Treatment may be medico-surgical, behavioral (voice therapy), or some combination of medical treatment and voice therapy.

At NY Speech Consultants, the patient and voice clinician develop realistic therapy goals based on the nature of the voice disorder, the age of the patient, and the vocal demands imposed by an individual's occupation and lifestyle.

Voice Evaluations at NY Speech Consultants

Voice evaluations are conducted by an experienced voice clinician who consults with medical and non-medical professionals, as appropriate.

An important component of the voice evaluation is a recent visualization of the larynx (voice box) by a laryngologist (ENT). Videostroboscopy, a routine procedure available in the ENT's office, can provide important diagnostic information regarding the details of vocal fold vibration. If you don't already have an ENT, we can help you locate laryngologists throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Voice evaluations consist of a comprehensive background history, and perceptual, acoustic, and physiologic assessment. Objective acoustic and physiologic measures of vocal function and videostroboscopic images serve as a baseline for evaluating the efficacy of subsequent intervention (surgery and/or voice therapy).

Voice Therapy at NY Speech Consultants

Voice therapy is individualized based on the unique needs of each patient. A typical voice therapy program at NY Speech Consultants includes:

• Patient Education - Using video and still images, patients learn about the anatomy and physiology of normal voice production and the problems associated with voice production specific to their voice disorder.
• Vocal Function Exercises, if appropriate
• Eliminating Abusive Behaviors - The clinician and patient identify behaviors that are maintaining the voice disorder and work to systematically eliminate or reduce them.
• Perceptual Training - Patients increase their awareness of various parameters of their voice (pitch, loudness, quality, flexibility) and how they use their voices.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Therapy - The therapist conducts ongoing perceptual and objective monitoring of vocal parameters to evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy.
• Visual biofeedback - Patients can be provided with visual images of their voice in real time in order to help them modify voice production.
  
  

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)

At NY Speech Consultants, the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program is available for patients with Parkinson's Disease, presbyphonia (aging voice), vocal fold paralysis and other neurological disorders. The program is provided by an LSVT certified therapist.

Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT)

This approach focuses upon achieving a specific configuration of the vocal folds and muscles immediately above the vocal folds by training the patient to respond to sensations of vibration in the face. This technique is commonly used in cases of primary or secondary muscle tension dysphonia.

To learn more about a voice evaluation or voice therapy, contact us at: (516) 355-6001 or contact@nyspeechconsultants.com

Suggested links for more information about voice disorders:

• NIDCD: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

Links to Organizations:

• AAO-HNS: American Acadamy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• The Voice Foundation

Call us today at 516-355-6001 for a free telephone consultation.