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 voice disorder that interferes with a person's professional and social life. Vocal fold paralysis or paresis; 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. Some causes may be completely treatable, and others may not. Therefore, depending on the cause of your voice disorder the longterm goal may be to help you attain the best possible voice and compensate most effectively for the underlying disorder that cannot be completely cured. Who is at Risk of Developing a Voice Disorder? Any individual whose occupation imposes great vocal demands such as teachers, clergy, salespersons, lawyers, receptionists/telemarketers, singers and professional users of the voice - Individuals who work in noisy environments are also at high risk of developing voice disorders. Voice Evaluations at The Voice Lab Voice evaluations are conducted by an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist and Vocologist (voice specialist) who consults with medical and non-medical professionals, as appropriate. An important component of the voice evaluation is a recent visualization of the larynx 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 Greater Toronto Area. Voice evaluations consist of a comprehensive background history, perceptual, acoustic, and physiologic assessment. Objective acoustic and physiologic measures of vocal function using state-of-the-art clinical instrumentation serve as a baseline for evaluating the efficacy of subsequent intervention. Voice therapy is individualized based on the unique needs of each patient. A typical voice therapy program at The Voice Lab includes: Patient Education - Using video and 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 - "vocal function exercises" refer to a series of exercises designed to strengthen the laryngeal musculature and to balance airflow, muscular activity and supraglottic placement of tone. 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 learn how to enable their voice. Evaluating Effectiveness of Therapy - The clinician 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 using a real-time Visi-Pitch program in order to help them modify voice production. Manual Circumlaryngeal Therapy (manual laryngeal musculoskeletal tension) for muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) 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. All programs are provided by a certified clinician. |
Voice Therapy |