VOICE

Shira is a Certified Vocologist, following a rigorous post graduate certificate program completed in 2024.  Vocology is the rehabilitation and habilitation of the professional speaking and singing voice.  We work closely with laryngologists (ENT’s specializing in voice disorders) to confirm a diagnosis. Common voice disorders include vocal nodules and muscle tension dysphonia with some of the causes due to overuse of muscles, yelling, reflux and improper breathing and even tongue tie that may not have been discovered.

Also common are resonant voice disorders such as hypernasality or hyponasality whereby patients may have difficulty using nasal and oral quality properly due to structural or muscular issues. Neurological conditions may interfere with loudness, resonance and intonation, such as in the case of Parkinson’s Disease.

Voice therapy can help identify environmental factors that may be eliminated that contribute to a voice disorder, learn better voice habits, improve breathing efficiency, improve resonant voice, increase muscle use in the case of hemiparesis and also improve voice projection, and communication skills for stress and rhythm. We also provide gender affirming voice therapy. 

We are experienced with the care of the professional voice, treating singers and speakers who rely on using their voice for a living.

Parkinson’s Disease

 

 

Shira has been a certified Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) provider since 1997.  She is currently also a Certified SPEAK OUT!® Provider, offering in person and virtual therapy sessions and virtual groups. The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project®, helps people with Parkinson's and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This highly effective, evidence-based treatment combines education, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups. Patients are empowered to “speak with INTENT”, transitioning speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

 

Plans are in the works for a Parkinson’s Chorus as well!  Stay tuned!  Contact us for more info.

 

Voice Therapy for Speakers and Singers

Your Best Voice SLP can help with these issues:

✔ vocal fatigue and poor vocal endurance

✔ strangled notes, choking on sound, loss of high notes

✔ throat pain with voice use

✔ difficulty projecting voice

✔ inconsistency in quality

✔ raspy, breathy or hoarse voice

✔ frequent loss of voice

✔ tightness or tension in the neck, shoulders, face, jaw, tongue

✔ daytime open mouth breathing

✔ nasality issues

✔ difficulty with speech clarity and precision - lisp, sound substitutions for "s, z, sh, ch, j, r, l"

Treatment techniques include a variety of approaches including breathing techniques, resonant voice therapy, semi occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTs), vocal function exercises (VFEs), vocalises, physical and manual techniques.  A comprehensive approach is the best way to rehabilitate and enhance your instrument.  You will be guided to how to safely  continue your professional voice needs during this rehabilitation period.

An ENT consultation is recommended for any changes to the voice, preferably prior to our first evaluation appointment. It is preferable to have had a laryngeal stroboscopic exam to help guide the treatment program design. For example, vocal nodules will be treated very differently than vocal fold paralysis. We will work closely with your ENT, voice coach or singing instructor.