Understanding Behavioral Voice Therapy Treatment Approaches

Voice disorders can impact a child’s ability to communicate effectively, which can influence their social interactions, academic performance, and overall self-esteem. Outlined below are some of the various behavioral voice therapy techniques used to improve different aspects of voice. 

What is Behavioral Voice Therapy?

Behavioral voice therapy is a non-invasive approach aimed at improving voice quality, vocal function, and overall communication abilities. Conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), this type of therapy often involves specific techniques and exercises tailored to the individual’s needs. The goal is to help individual’s use their voices more effectively and safely without causing strain or injury.

1. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment 

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program involves an evidence-based, intensive speech treatment protocol designed for adults and children with motor speech disorders and neurological conditions (e.g., Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s) and tailors treatment delivery to align with each individual’s unique functional goals, taking into account their speech severity and practice setting. The key features to LSVT include improving vocal intensity, vocal loudness, and utilizing motor learning principles using the simple yet powerful principle of "think loud." In addition to improving voice quality and loudness, this treatment can improve articulation, motor speech/planning, and fluency.

2. Yawn-Sigh/Gentle Onset 

Yawn-Sigh/Gentle Onset is an approach designed to help reduce loudness and hyperfunction—where the muscles involved in speech are excessively tense or overactive—along with reducing strain. This technique involves taking a deep breath as if yawning, followed by a gentle exhale that mimics a sigh, during which the individual softly engages their voice. The aim of this technique is to reduce vocal hyperfunction by relaxing the vocal tract, opening the throat, and lowering the larynx (i.e., “voice box”).  ‍

3.Resonant Voice Therapy 

Resonant Voice Therapy (RVT) is a treatment approach designed to help individuals produce their voices in a more effortless and relaxed manner, emphasizing increased resonance—often felt as a vibratory sensation in the nose and midface. The objective of this approach is to achieve a strong, clear voice with minimal effort, thereby alleviating voice issues and enhancing resonance. By employing a technique known as "forward focus," which encourages speakers to consciously sense the vibrations in the midface and visualize their voice traveling upward from the vocal folds, RVT helps to reduce tension in the vocal folds, improve loudness, and enhance overall vocal quality.

4. Vocal Function Exercises

Vocal Function Exercises are treatment approach that involve a series of voice exercises that support the strengthening and coordination of the muscles involved in moving the vocal folds and improve strength, endurance, and coordination of the voice subsystems: resonance (i.e., the vibratory sensation usually felt around the nose and midface), respiration (i.e., breathing), and phonation (i.e., using your voice). This approach aims to support individuals with hyperfunctional voice disorders (i.e., excessive tension or overactivity of the muscles involved in voice production) and hypofunctional voice disorders (i.e., insufficient or weak voice production).

5. Vocal Hygiene 

Vocal hygiene encompasses the essential practices that promote the health and proper functioning of your vocal cords. Given their sensitivity and vulnerability to misuse or overuse, adopting good vocal habits is crucial, not only for individuals with existing voice disorders but also for those at higher risk, such as teachers, singers, personal trainers, and nurses. Key strategies for maintaining optimal vocal health include staying adequately hydrated, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, following a balanced diet, taking regular vocal breaks, and utilizing a microphone in noisy settings. 

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of behavioral voice treatment approaches that can enhance vocal health and function. If you are interested in improving your voice or that of your child, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified speech-language pathologist. They can conduct a thorough assessment and develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs, helping you achieve optimal vocal performance and well-being.

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