Voice Disorders

Dysphonia refers to a voice disorder. It presents as any alteration in the voice that impairs normal vocal function and quality. It can manifest as hoarseness, roughness, breathiness, strain, or weakness, which can affect how loud or clear the voice sounds. Dysphonia can result from a variety of causes, including vocal misuse, infections, inflammation, neurological conditions, or structural abnormalities.

People with dysphonia may experience discomfort or difficulty voicing, and the condition can sometimes lead to reduced vocal endurance or communication challenges. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks, an Ear Nose and Throat referral is recommended for diagnosis and to guide appropriate treatment. Dysphonia is a common complaint affecting a significant portion of the population, particularly those with high vocal demands such as teachers, singers, and call center workers.

Voice therapy by a Speech Language Therapist is normally the first port of call and can be very effective.

Our voice therapy approach is grounded in clinical research and evidence-based practice. We use techniques proven effective through peer-reviewed studies, including Resonant Voice Therapy for muscle tension dysphonia, Vocal Function Exercises for vocal strengthening, and Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract exercises for balanced voice production. Each technique is selected specifically for your voice challenge, professional demands, and treatment goals.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive 75-minute voice assessment covering your vocal history, current voice quality, breathing patterns, and the specific demands your voice faces professionally or personally. We evaluate how you're currently using your voice, identify patterns contributing to vocal strain, and determine which therapeutic approaches will be most effective for your situation.

Your personalized treatment plan typically combines direct therapy approaches (specific vocal exercises and techniques) with indirect approaches (vocal hygiene education, lifestyle modifications, and environmental adjustments). Research demonstrates this holistic approach balances the physiologic subsystems of voice production most effectively. We might work on breath support from the diaphragm rather than throat tension, resonant voice techniques that maximize vocal efficiency with minimum effort, or relaxation strategies to reduce the muscular tension that often accompanies voice disorders.

Therapy sessions focus on active practice. You'll learn exercises during our sessions and practice daily at home - consistency is crucial for vocal recovery. Many patients find that practicing in their natural environment (especially via telehealth) accelerates progress, as you're immediately applying techniques in real-world speaking situations. We'll track your vocal improvements with regular assessment, adjusting techniques as your voice strengthens.

The timeline varies based on severity and consistency of practice, but research shows most patients see improvement within a few weeks to several months. Interestingly, studies indicate short-term voice therapy (less than three weeks) can be as effective as longer programs when combined with dedicated home practice. Some patients with muscle tension dysphonia experience significant improvement in just one to several sessions. We'll set realistic expectations during your initial assessment based on your specific vocal presentation and professional needs.

Our approach emphasizes sustainable vocal techniques you can use for life, not just temporary fixes. Whether you're a teacher needing to project over classroom noise, a performer requiring vocal stamina, or someone experiencing unexplained hoarseness, we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to maintain healthy voice production long-term. Your voice is an instrument - we'll help you learn to use it efficiently and protect it from future strain.