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Our rehabilitation specialists will develop a voice therapy plan based on an evaluation of your vocal abilities. If you have experienced a hoarse voice for more than 2 to 3 weeks, you should consult a physician.

Voice Evaluation and Performance Assessment

Our team evaluates a patient's techniques and patterns of vocal quality, as well as pitch, loudness, ability to sustain voicing and other voice characteristics. They may insert an endoscope into the mouth or nose to look at the vocal cords and larynx. A stroboscope may be used to watch the vocal cords as they move, also known as a videostroboscopy.

Videostroboscopy is a test in which video pictures are taken of a patient's vocal cords during speech. It helps our speech and language therapist assess the condition of the vocal cords and plan appropriate treatment, if necessary. We may recommend a videostroboscopy if an individual is experiencing persistent hoarseness, pain when talking, sudden voice change, frequent throat dryness or the sensation of 'something in the throat.' It is an outpatient procedure that generally causes no significant discomfort afterwards and provides same day results that are important to the patient's care plan.

Voice Recording and Analysis

An acoustic voice evaluation will be completed by recording and analyzing voice samples to facilitate the best treatment plan. Voice therapy may be recommended, sometimes as an alternative to surgery or medication and in other cases, before and after surgery to optimize your voice.

Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is designed to reduce hoarseness by changing vocal behaviors and lifestyle modifications. It consists of tasks designed to eliminate harmful vocal behavior, shape healthy vocal behavior and assist in healing after surgery or injury. Voice therapy for hoarseness generally consists of one to two therapy sessions each week for 4–8 weeks. Each individual's duration of therapy is determined by their specific origin and severity of the problem, coinciding medical therapy, and, importantly, their commitment to the new vocal behaviors outside of therapy.

If you have experienced a hoarse voice for more than 2 to 3 weeks, you should consult a physician.

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