Voice Therapy

For most of us, our voice is our main source of communication and a huge part of our identity. Our voice is used for so many things, from ordering a coffee, singing in the shower, and calling out to a friend across the street, to giving presentations at work, performing on stage and sending out vital information about our emotions and who we are.

When our voice becomes tired or sore, talking is effortful, or our voice sounds different to what we expect, it can be very frustrating and upsetting. At Leonard Voice Studio, we understand how important your voice is to you and your life, and we are committed to providing holistic and individualised care to suit your unique voice needs. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to be actively involved in your voice recovery and achieve a voice that is sustainable, consistent and suits your unique needs and identity.

WHAT IS A VOICE DISORDER?

Voice disorders are multi-faceted, but ultimately arise when an individuals’ voice does not meet their speaking or singing needs and/or is causing concern. It may have a pitch, volume or quality that differs from expectations or is inconsistent with a person’s needs or identity.

SYMPTOMS OF A VOICE DISORDER MAY INCLUDE:

  • vocal fatigue

  • pain, soreness or aching in the larynx, neck or throat areas

  • changes in voice quality e.g.,

    • hoarseness

    • huskiness

    • breathiness

    • a strained or tight sounding voice

  • weakness

  • feeling like talking or singing is effortful

  • tightness or pressure in the larynx or throat

  • feeling like you have a ‘lump’ or something ‘stuck’ in your throat

  • reduced speaking or singing volume

  • reduced pitch range

  • reduced vocal flexibility

  • reduced vocal endurance and sustainability

  • feeling like your voice is not “you”

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM VOICE THERAPY?

  • professionals who depend on their voice for work

  • children who have persistently “husky” voices or who lose their voice often

  • singers who are experiencing vocal changes or reduced reliability

  • teachers, educators and trainers who find feel like they are straining or their voice is constantly tired

  • anyone who feels like their voice does not meet their everyday needs

  • anyone with a diagnosed voice problem or vocal fold abnormality (e.g. vocal nodules, polyps, muscle tension dysphonia)

  • individuals who feel like their voice doesn’t reflect their affirmed gender or identity

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM VOICE THERAPY?

A certified practicing speech pathologist will take a thorough case history, discuss with you your voice needs and impact on your life, and assess your voice problem using a range of perceptual, acoustic and quality of life measures. You will be provided with a written report that outlines the results of your assessment and recommendations. You do not need a referral for a voice assessment or therapy. We highly recommend you also see a voice specialising Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT) or Laryngologist for a visualisation and evaluation of your vocal folds and larynx to diagnose or rule out any specific voice issues. You can arrange this through your GP.

In voice therapy sessions, you will be provided with a thorough understanding of your voice and how to care for it, as well as vocal exercises and strategies that suit your voice problem or vocal needs. You will be given a home practice plan to ensure consistent practice and successful changes to your vocal habits. Regular practice at home and in your everyday environments is crucial to the success of therapy and will be expected throughout the therapy process. Exercises and strategies will be adjusted throughout your therapy journey as your voice improves. Therapy may also involve evaluation of the environments in which you use your voice and plans for adjustments or strategies to maintain your vocal health.

Therapy sessions typically involve:

  • a block of 5 sessions with a review in the 5th session to determine the plan moving forward

  • a 6th session a month after a therapy block to review progress and maintenance

  • 45min standard therapy session

    • This includes 35mins face-to-face therapy and 10mins note writing/liaison

FAQs

Can I get a Medicare rebate for therapy sessions?

This service can be provided under the Enhanced Primary Care plan (EPC) Medicare items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Eligibility for this plan is determined by GPs, based on your/your child’s level of need. In these cases, a partial refund of $58.30 for up to five services per calendar year is available. The refund does not cover the full cost of sessions, and sessions must be paid in full prior to accessing refunds. We do not bulk bill.  For more information contact your GP, or visit Speech Pathology Australia or The Department of Health.

Can I use Private Health to pay for therapy sessions?

Yes, you can use your private health fund to access rebates for voice therapy sessions depending on your level of cover (check with your private health provider). You cannot use both private health and an EPC at the same time.

Do I need a referral to access voice therapy service?

No, you do not need a referral to book in for a voice assessment or sessions. However, we do highly recommend that you see a voice specialising ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) or laryngologist prior to your first consultation at LVS.


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