A Rehabilitation Program for Occupational Voice Users

Voice care is important for vocal health. Persons who use their voices extensively in their occupations are particularly susceptible to voice problems like vocal fatigue, hoarseness and vocal polyps and nodules. These individuals include teachers, recreational coaches/ instructors, customer/sales representatives, administrators, politicians, lawyers, preachers, singers, media broadcasters and yes, even health care workers!

Despite the fact that occupational voice users must rely heavily on their voices to perform their daily duties, most do not have any voice training to prepare them for a heavy and often difficult vocal demand on the job. When extensive voice use is combined with noisy speaking environments, poor health, bad posture, inadequate vocal techniques and the stresses of life, it can lead to vocal problems. If, in addition to the vocal demands of the job, individuals abuse their voices during recreational activities, the problem is compounded.

The Pacific Voice Clinicoffers a seven-week vocal rehabilitation program and one-week summer intensive programs, in a group format, to occupational voice users experiencing, or wishing to prevent, vocal distress. These programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of people who use their voices extensively in their work, where vocal health is not only necessary but can be hard to achieve. A wide range of topics related to occupational voice use is presented, and good voice production techniques are practised

Since "the voice is an organ of the body and the mind", a holistic approach to vocal rehabilitation is required by occupational voice users. In this program we consider the voice's physical production as inseparable from its functions in expressing thought and emotions. Participants should recognize that vocal habits that develop slowly also recede slowly, so perseverance and ongoing dedication to good voice use must continue long after completion of the formal vocal rehabilitation program.

Program Goals

1. To develop a basic understanding of the mechanics of voice and speech production.
2. To learn the foundations for vocal health and explore the relationship between the voice and physical and emotional health.
3. To examine the differences between good voice use, voice misuse and voice abuse.
4. To identify and learn to compensate for difficult speaking situations, both on and off the job.
5. To learn to recognize postural imbalance and to restore more optimal posture, especially in speaking situations.
6. To recognize specific muscle misuses and relearn easy coordinated use of the vocal system, by exploring how muscles in the breathing system, larynx and vocal tract work together in free and natural voice production.
7. To work toward a voice that is free and responsive in all speaking situations.