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A Healthy Voice

A person’s voice is an integral part of the individual and can reflect the physical and emotional well-being of the total person. Although many people rely on their voices in their jobs, few people really know how to take care of this valuable asset. At-risk voice users include teachers, sales people, singers/entertainers, receptionists, broadcasters, medical personnel, politicians, clergy and restaurant workers.

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute's Voice Rehabilitation Program provides care and treatment for people who depend on their voices to earn their living or have voice difficulties in any speaking situation.

Whom to Consult and When

You should visit your family or primary care physician if you notice:

• hoarseness that persists for longer than a week
• a change in your voice quality or in the clarity of your pronunciation
• coughing up blood, experiencing ear pain or the sensation of having a lump in your throat

If your physician determines that you need additional treatment for any of those conditions, they can then refer you to an otolaryngologist, a physician whose specialty is ear, nose and throat care. An otolayrngologist can diagnose whether you are having problems involving:

• vocal nodules
• chronic or recurring hoarseness
• polyps
• spastic/spasmodic dysphonia
• organic voice tremor
• arthritis within the larynx
• hyperfunctional voice usage
• cancer of the larynx
• various forms of vocal misuse
• contact ulcers
• granuloma
• weak or paralyzed vocal folds
• vocal fatigue
• muteness
• adolescent voice change difficulties

Speech-language pathologists are available to provide treatment when:

• you have questions about your voice and how you use it
• you want to know how to protect your voice and prevent vocal problems
• your physician refers you for voice treatment due to a particular diagnosis

In many cases, voice treatment is a conservative first approach and may diminish or eliminate the need for laser or surgical procedures. But in most cases, a physician referral is necessary to ensure health insurance coverage.

Protecting Your Voice

Recovering the health of an injured voice can begin with a voice evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. Together, you will examine and understand the nature of the voice problem. The speech-language pathologist can then plan a course of vocal rehabilitation that best suits your needs.

Voice Problems

Vocal changes can be caused by misuse, stress, environmental causes and medically-related health problems. The most common problems experienced include:

• laryngitis
• tightness
• loss of pitch range
• cancer and laryngeal diseases
• hoarseness
• vocal fatigue
• inability to project the voice

Diagnosis of voice and speaking problems can be made in a routine examination by an otolaryngologist or your primary care physician. After a diagnosis or voice problems, you can be referred to the Voice Rehabilitation Program.

Voice Evaluation

Areas assessed include:

• patterns of voice usage in work and home environment
• breath support for proper voice production
• pitch, loudness and vocal quality
• inflection
• tension in the support structures of the larynx

Voice Rehabilitation

Treatment goals may include, but are not limited to:

• instruction in proper voice production techniques
• instruction in proper breath support for healthy voice production
• elimination of behaviors that contribute to vocal abuse
• reduction of tension in the larynx and its supporting structures referrals

Health insurance carriers require a physician referral for voice rehabilitation care to be covered. Check with your health insurer for referral procedures and any limits on your coverage.

Locations

United Hospital (St. Paul)
651-241-8290
fax: 651-241-7177

Mercy Hospital (Coon Rapids)
763-236-8908
fax: 763-236-8930

Our policy is to provide care for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, lifestyle orientation or physical abilities.
 

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550