Clinical Voice and Vocal Health Clinic
You may have concerns about your voice, or your physician recommended that you participate
in voice therapy for your voice, breathing, or cough symptoms. You should know some
information before setting up an appointment at the Memphis Speech & Hearing Center
with one of our voice therapists.
What is voice therapy?
Voice therapy is specialized therapy to help you use your voice safely and effectively and help
you develop strategies to maintain optimal voice function. Voice therapy looks different depending
on your voice problem and is tailored specifically to you and your needs as you communicate
throughout the day. Some people find it useful to describe voice therapy as physical
therapy for the voice. However, it is more than just doing exercises. It involves
changing the way you communicate in everyday life. Subsequently, after completing
voice therapy, you should find it easier to produce voice and communicate. Your session(s)
will include homework and activities individually tailored for you and your voice.
What is the process for voice therapy?
Voice therapy will require you to change your daily behaviors. We recommend that you
take steps to observe your daily vocal habits before you start treatment and mentally
prepare to work on your voice.
|
Step 1: |
If you have not seen a physician about your problem, please set up an appointment
with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, preferably a laryngologist. You will
need a videostroboscopic examination completed before starting voice therapy. Once you have a diagnosis and referral from your ENT for a voice evaluation, contact our office to register. |
|
Step 2: |
While you wait for an appointment, make a vocal log to better understand when and where you have vocal challenges. |
|
Step 3: |
Voice therapy relies on your ability to breathe easily, focus on body sensations, and relax. Activities such as yoga, tai chi, karate, mindfulness training, massage therapy, dance, archery, and target practice, or artistic activities (painting, pottery, etc.) will help you learn the skills of easy breathing, focus, and relaxation. We highly recommend engaging in one of these activities regularly as you wait for your appointment to prepare you for voice therapy activities. |
|
Step 4: |
We will contact you when your insurance has been approved and schedule your appointments to meet your voice goals. |
Voice Specialists:
Amy P. Nabors, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist