Voice Treatment
Voice treatment is prescribed on an individual basis per each patient’s diagnosis and personal voice goals. Specific and time measured goals are provided for each patient. Voice treatment allows the patient to become aware of their vocal production and make the proper changes to achieve their optimal voice that serves them best. Voice evaluations for vocal problems range from the most common complaint of “hoarseness” to those voice complaints that may be a result of surgery, illness or injury. Specific treatment exercises and changes in vocal production result in improved voicing that is produced easy and without effort or strain.
Vocal hygiene and vocal education along with strategies to address common contributing factors to poor voice production is also addressed. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), muscle tension dysphonia, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), poor hydration, vocally abusive behaviors, contributing occupational hazards that adverse affect voicing are also addressed. Voice disorders can also be a sign of other medical conditions and proper referrals are made as appropriate.
Swallowing treatment is based on the specific dysphagia dysfunction identified by the FEES and patient complaint. Individualized protocols that address contributing patient symptoms are assigned to the patient for daily practice with reassessment provided to monitor improvement.
