What is Voice Therapy?

Voice therapy, a specialized form of speech therapy, is particularly crucial for professional voice users, such as singers, teachers, actors, and public speakers. Its purpose is to enhance vocal function and quality, often addressing hoarseness, a prevalent condition among our clients. The therapy involves exercises and techniques that strengthen the vocal cords, improve breath control, and alleviate strain on the voice. Many of our voice clients, who are often in these professions, report experiencing hoarseness, a common symptom of vocal strain.

How does Voice Therapy work?

Voice therapy targets the underlying causes of hoarseness, such as vocal cord nodules, muscle tension, or improper vocal technique. A speech therapist can assess your voice and create a tailored treatment plan that includes exercises, vocal hygiene practices, and lifestyle modifications. Through regular practice and guidance from a therapist, you can improve your vocal health and reduce hoarseness.

Benefits of Voice Therapy

There are several benefits of voice therapy for individuals experiencing hoarseness. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved voice quality and clarity

• Decreased strain and wear and tear on the voice

• Greater vocal power and endurance

• Enhanced breath control and support

• Prevention of vocal cord damage and nodules

Voice Therapy Exercises

Voice therapy exercises are a quintessential aspect of treatment for vocal hoarseness. These exercises treat specific areas of vocal function and can help individuals improve their voice quality and reduce strain. Some reliable voice therapy exercises for hoarseness include:

1. Resonant voice exercises focus on creating a buzzing or humming sensation in the mouth and face to improve vocal resonance and clarity.

2. Pitch glides: Sliding from low to high pitches helps to lengthen and strengthen the vocal cords, improving vocal range and flexibility.

3. Articulation exercises: Practicing clear and precise speech sounds can improve overall vocal clarity and reduce hoarseness.

4. Body and voice relaxation: Meditation, diaphragmatic breathing and increasing vocal rest can help eliminate vocal tension and unnecessary strain on the voice.

Tips for Successful Voice Therapy

For those undergoing voice therapy for hoarseness, it's crucial to follow these tips for success:

• Consistency is key: Practice your voice therapy exercises regularly to see improvement.

• Stay hydrated: Sip water throughout the day to keep vocal cords and surrounding tissues hydrated and functioning optimally.

• Avoid vocal strain: Rest your voice when it feels tired or strained, and avoid yelling or speaking loudly.

Follow your therapist's guidance: Trust in the expertise of your speech therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan and track your progress. Working closely with them will give you the confidence that you're on the right path to improving your vocal health and reducing hoarseness. Following these tips and incorporating voice therapy exercises into your routine can improve your vocal health and reduce hoarseness over time. Remember, vocal hoarseness is an indicator from your body that something is wrong, and putting in the work to fix it can prevent more serious vocal problems in the future.