Q: What is a "normal voice?"
A: A "normal" voice sounds appropriate in pitch, loudness and quality for communication in a wide variety of settings.
Q: What is a voice disorder?
A: Voice disorders are characterized by interruptions in pitch, loudness or quality that interfere with speech communication. Voice problems may be accompanied by pain, discomfort or fatigue when speaking or singing.
Q: What are the causes of voice problems?
A: There are many causes of voice problems. Several problems are temporary and can be traced to incidents of vocal misuse. Others are related to medical conditions or improper breathing that can only be diagnosed by a physician.
Q. What problems are frequently associated with voice disorders?
A:
- Swelling of the vocal cords
- Small growths resulting from misuse (i.e., vocal nodules, nodes and polyps)
- Improper breath support for speech
- Discoordination of vocal fold movement
- Neurological conditions
- Other medical condition
Q: When is voice therapy beneficial?
A: Voice therapy is initiated only after you have been evaluated by a specially-trained physician who has clearly identified the source of your voice problem.
Based upon your medical diagnosis, the physician will determine if voice therapy is an appropriate treatment for you.
The physician will determine if voice therapy will be part of your treatment, or, if your voice problems can be addressed by treatment alone.
Q: What are the goals of voice therapy?
A: After a medical
consultation, an initial speech/voice evaluation is completed and therapy goals are established. Goals may address:
- Improving voice quality
- Understanding the relationship of medical conditions and management of voice problems
- Establishing appropriate pitch and/or loudness
- Increasing efficiency of breath support
- Improving postural support
- Increasing coordination of vocal fold movement
- Increasing appropriate contact of vocal folds during speech
- Analyzing and changing patterns of vocal fold misuse
Q: How much voice therapy is needed?
A: The amount of therapy is based upon your physician's findings and your initial evaluation results.
Your progress will be reported to your physician on a regular basis, and the course of therapy will be determined through ongoing consultation and follow-up with your physician. |