Preliminary questions Is my voice difficulty a direct control issue, i.e. is it an issue involving my own behavior that I can do something about? If so, what can I do about this? Is my voice difficulty an indirect control issue, i.e.
Voice
Head and Neck Exercises
Overview In order to produce easy, relaxed voice, there should be no excessive tension in the muscles around the head, neck and shoulders. Head and neck exercises are used to gently increase the flexibility and range of movement of the neck and shoulder muscles. They can be…
Improving Vocal Habits
Scope This article provides advice on how to minimize inefficient or harmful vocal habits. Eliminating vocal misuse and abuse Generally, vocal misuse and abuse refers to using the voice in potentially harmful ways and/or exposing the voice to potentially damaging situations, medications, and similar. For…
Instrumental Measurement of Voice
Instrumental measurement of voice attempts to make objective, quantifiable measurements of vocal characteristics and examine the physiology of phonation. Acoustic analysis is commonly carried out by speech therapists. The Praat software program assists with the analysis, synthesis, and manipulation of speech. This article discusses a brief protocol for performing acoustic…
Intonation
Intonation is the musical quality that accompanies speech. It is created through rhythmic changes and distinctive pitch changes known as tones. Primary tones either fall or rise. The ability to vary intonation contours is important in expressing a diversity of intellectual and emotional meanings, attitudes, and similar.
Laryngeal Papillomas
What are they? Papillomas are benign growths. They do not become malignant. They occur mainly on the vocal folds but they can also appear in the larynx. They can occur as a single papilloma or in clusters like warts. In the same way that warts are caused by a virus,…
Laryngoscopic Examination
Examination of the larynx (laryngoscopic examination) and vocal tract is essential for anyone presenting with a persistent voice disorder, in order to rule out or identify any laryngeal pathology. There are four main methods: mirror laryngoscopy, rigid endoscopy, flexible nasendoscopy and direct laryngoscopy. A stroboscope is frequently used to improve…