Helpful Information About Working
with Voice Care Consultants

You may benefit from voice therapy if your voice is hoarse or has changed in quality, the pitch of your voice is higher or lower than normal, you notice that people have a hard time hearing you, your voice gets tired or wears out on you, you have throat pain or a tight throat when you speak, you find yourself coughing or clearing your throat frequently, or you have difficulty breathing that has not responded to medical intervention.

While all speech pathologists learn about voice production and voice disorders in graduate school, a voice pathologist has specialized postgraduate training and education in voice and voice disorders. This includes experience conducting thorough evaluations using acoustic and aerodynamic measures, performing endoscopy (using a scope to assess the vocal cords), experience working closely with ENT, pulmonary, GI and other specialists, and training and experience using many different types of voice therapy techniques.

Your frequency of voice therapy sessions will depend on your needs and goals, and you and your voice pathologist will determine this together. Many patients choose weekly visits, while some wish to space out visits in the interest of schedule or finances. If it is difficult to travel to the office regularly, telehealth voice therapy may be a good option for you.

Telehealth is a convenient option for many patients. It allows you to see your voice care specialist from the comfort of your own home or office using a confidential, HIPAA-compliant digital platform. Teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person voice therapy (if not more!) but does require a stable internet connection and a device with audio and video, such as a smartphone, ipad, or laptop. Occasionally, your voice care specialist may recommend a combination of in-person and telehealth therapy or in-person only, depending on the type of treatment you need.

Your first visit will include a comprehensive voice evaluation. This will start with the voice pathologist reviewing your intake paperwork and medical history. Then, your voice pathologist will ask some additional questions and do some basic assessments of your voice and breathing. This may involve recording your voice and listening to your voice during various vocal tasks. When the assessment is complete, you and your voice therapist will discuss your goals and come up with a treatment plan.

Contact Voice Care Consultants by phone at (440) 847-8007 or email at jenniferkegyes@voicecareconsultants.com to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a voice pathologist.