Speech and Hearing Program at Gateway University Research Park
Voice Lab
Vocal assessment and treatment
Many changes can occur to a person’s voice throughout life. While some changes are normal, others are not and warrant thorough assessment and intervention to prevent/treat damage to the voice.
Assessment: Our speech-language pathologists provide in depth assessment of the voice and vocal quality using a VisiPitch and other quantitative methods. These assessments give objective, tangible data to describe vocal quality and help direct the right course of treatment. Common causes of voice disorders include reaction to certain medications, acid reflux, post-nasal drip, or voice overuse.
Treatment: Voice disorders require a variety of treatment approaches, depending on the person and the cause of the disorder. Our speech-language pathologists bring years of experience to the treatment of each patient and their voice disorder. For example, in the treatment of vocal misuse, the individual can learn good vocal techniques such as proper breath support for speech or eliminating forceful voicing.
Another type of therapy we offer, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), is a technique developed for patients with motor speech disorders, such as those caused by Parkinson’s Disease. The treatment is designed to increase vocal loudness and phonatory effort, resulting in overall speech improvement.
For additional information about various Voice Disorders from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, click HERE.
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