FAQs
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
My voice is tired or sounds different than it used to; what's wrong with it?
Many people, both children and adults, will experience voice disorder symptoms in their lifetime. For example, teachers, sales representatives, lawyers, and other "heavy voice users" are most at risk for developing MTD.
The most common voice disorder is Muscle Tension Dysphonia or MTD. It is a state of increased muscle tension in the neck that interferes with normal voice production. A tired voice is only one symptom of MTD. Others include pain or discomfort, loss of voice and change in the sound of the voice (e.g. hoarse, breathy among others. Speech-Language Pathologists (S-LPs) can detect and treat voice disorders and get clients back on the road to healthy voice production.
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP)? What training do S-LPs have? Is a Speech Therapist the same as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Speech Pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists are healthcare practitioners who specialize in the study of communication and swallowing disorders. To practice in Canada, clinicians must have a master's degree from a recognized program. Most provinces also regulate the profession, setting different standards for practice. The terms Speech Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech Pathologist are interchangeable and are protected titles in Ontario.
Do you work with kids?
Yes, school-age and up, for speech-sound disorders/articulation, voice disorders and stuttering. We also work with adolescents and adults.
What is Voice Therapy?
Voicing occurs when we use air pressure inside our lungs to make our vocal fold muscles vibrate and produce sound energy. Voice therapy focuses on treating problems with this system, including overuse injuries (e.g. nodules), physical damage (e.g. intubation), and neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson's).
What is Singing Voice Therapy?
A type of voice therapy that focuses on the singing voice and its health. Treatment focuses on reducing vocal strain through laryngeal massage, strengthening muscles of respiration, and increasing vocal flexibility and range, among other strategies to heal and strengthen the singing voice.
What can I expect in the initial assessment?
The S-LP will obtain a case history, including a history of the concern, how it affects client day-to-day, and how it typically presents. Testing involves a mix of formal and informal measures, including a language sample, standardized testing, questionnaires, observation, and others. The S-LP will make recommendations based on test results at the end of the assessment.
How long does Speech or Voice Therapy take?
Many clients see some improvement after the first session, depending on the problem. After completing a treatment "block," (4-8 consecutive weekly sessions) most individuals see significant results. Improvement tends to be achieved faster with regular home practice when recommended by S-LP.
Does OHIP cover Speech or Voice Therapy?
OHIP does not provide coverage for private Speech-Language Pathology services in Ontario. The provincial government does fund various public access services such as preschool speech and language programs. However, many individuals and families opt for private support as the wait-lists for publicly supported programs tend to be in the 6-12 month range.
Is Speech Therapy expensive?
Speech and voice therapy fees are on par with other rehabilitative sciences, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Most people feel some "sticker shock" because we're not used to paying for health-related services in Canada.
Do I have to pay HST?
As federally recognized healthcare practitioners, S-LPs don't charge HST for their services, so the fee you see is what you pay. Fees paid out-of-pocket can be claimed at tax time as a medical expense.
Why is my child hard to understand?
Children learn sounds of the language they hear over some time. Some sounds are easy to learn, whereas others are more complex and can take longer to master. As children learn, they can sometimes be challenging to understand, depending on the number of sounds they are omitting or distorting. Most children will grow out of this, but some will require help along the way—your S-LP can determine if a child needs support. It's essential to provide this help as challenges left untreated can persist into adulthood, where they can interfere with an individual's ability to thrive.
My child lives in a multi-lingual household where English or French is the second language. Will this impair their ability to master English or French?
Being exposed to multiple languages will not reduce a child's ability to master the dominant language of their culture. In fact, the stimulation gained from multiple language exposure in childhood is quite good for the brain, both early and later in life. As long as children receive a "rich language model" for each language they interact with, they will eventually acquire mastery. This premise assumes there is no inherent difficulty with language-learning or other learning abilities. Your S-LP can help determine if your child requires support.
Is there always a wait for speech therapy in Ontario?
In most cases, yes. Wait-lists are a reality for OHIP-covered and government-funded programs in Ontario. Many families report waiting between 6-12 months for an assessment.
What are SOVT exercises?
SOVT stands for Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract. These exercises involve partially closing off the mouth or vocal tract in various ways while phonating. By narrowing the vocal tract, SOVT exercises create beneficial back pressure on the vocal folds, allowing them to vibrate more efficiently with less effort.