"The human voice is the organ of the soul."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What Is a Voice Disorder?

An abnormality in pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice, given an individual's age, gender, and stature (body size) within a given culture.

Voice problems can interfere with an individual's ability to communicate. Some voice problems, such as spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a form of dystonia, can result in a severe communication disorder that interferes with a person's professional and social life. Vocal fold paralysis a neurological disorder, can reduce one's voice to a whisper.

Other, more common conditions such as nodules, polyps, and contact ulcers, which result from phonotrauma, can interfere with one's ability to communicate effectively.

Who is at Risk of Developing a Voice Disorder?

Any individual whose occupation imposes great vocal demands such as teachers, clergy, salespersons, attorneys, receptionists/telemarketers, professional users of the voice - Individuals who work in noisy environments are also at high risk of developing voice problems.

Managing Voice Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

The evaluation and treatment of a voice disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to obtain a precise diagnosis and plan appropriate intervention. Minimally, the diagnosis of a voice disorder requires an evaluation by a laryngologist (Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) specialist in voice) and a speech-language pathologist experienced in voice. Additional diagnostic information may be sought from a neurologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, or other professional, when appropriate. Following a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of a voice problem, a team decision regarding the most appropriate intervention is made. Treatment may be medico-surgical, behavioral (voice therapy), or some combination of medical treatment and voice therapy.

At Long Island Voice Care, the patient and voice clinician develop realistic therapy goals based on the nature of the voice disorder, the age of the patient, and the vocal demands imposed by an individual's occupation and lifestyle.

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)

    At Long Island Voice Care, the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) 
program is available for patients with Parkinson's Disease, presbyphonia (aging 
voice), vocal fold paralysis and other neurological disorders.


    Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT)

This approach focuses upon achieving a specific configuration of the  
vocal folds and muscles immediately above the vocal folds by 
training the patient to respond to sensations of vibration in the face.
This technique is commonly used in cases of primary or secondary 
     muscle tension dysphonia.

For a free telephone consultation or to schedule an appointment - call us at 516-455-7458.  email: stephen@livoicecare.com

Office Located in Oyster Bay, NY

For information on Swallowing Disorders visit NY Speech Consultants