Southern Sydney Voice Therapy offers a Speech Pathology evaluation service for adults and children (5 + years) who are concerned about their voice, cough or other laryngeal issues. Typical concerns include:
Hoarse breathy or strained voice
Pitch is too high or too low, unstable or monotonous
Soft/whispered voice
Reduced range of pitch or volume
Voice cracks or stops
Voice tremors
Vocal fatigue or discomfort with prolonged voice use
Voicing feels effortful
Difficulty projecting voice or being heard over background noise
Running out of breath when talking
Physical sensations in the throat or neck such as irritation, pain, muscle tension or the feeling of a lump in the throat
Frequent coughing or throat clearing
Difficulty breathing or the feeling of the throat tightening or closing
If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than 2-3 weeks (or 2-3 weeks post cold/flu) you might have a voice disorder or other type of laryngeal disorder such as paradoxical vocal fold motion. While most voice and laryngeal disorders are benign, some can be a sign of serious health conditions including neurological disease and laryngeal cancer. Early voice evaluation, diagnosis and treatment is recommended.
Diagnosis of Voice Disorder
Assessment of voice usually involves a multidisciplinary approach. Typically, this includes an evaluation from a Speech Pathologist (see below) and Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon (ENT). An ENT will able to view the inside of your throat with the use of a special camera in order to make an accurate medical diagnosis. You are not required to seek an evaluation from an ENT prior to attending a voice assessment or undergoing voice therapy delivered by a Speech Pathologist. However, an ENT evaluation is usually recommended as different voice disorders and laryngeal conditions have unique prognoses and respond differently to various forms and combinations of treatment (e.g. voice therapy, medicinal, surgical). If you have been advised or wish to seek an ENT evaluation, we suggest that you consult an ENT who specialises in laryngeal disorders (often called a Laryngologist) for imaging of your larynx (voice box).
Assessment of voice (Speech Pathology)
The initial consultation at Southern Sydney Voice Therapywill involve a thorough assessment of your vocal behaviours and voice requirements. This will include:
completion of voice related questionnaires (you will be required to complete these at home or in our waiting room area prior to the beginning of the assessment session)
detailed discussion of your presenting voice problem and concerns
examination of your oral, neck and jaw musculature
voice production tasks
perceptual and instrumental analysis of your voice quality, pitch and loudness
a report outlining the assessment findings and recommendations for treatment
