Voice Therapy and Gender Affirming Voice Care
Helping You Find Your Voice
Support for voice disorders, breathing issues, chronic cough and gender affirming voice care focuses on improving your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing voice issues, like muscle tension dysphonia, vocal nodules or spasmodic dysphonia, are dealing with breathing issues or chronic cough, or are seeking a voice that aligns with your gender identity, this service offers personalized care to meet your unique needs. Voice therapy and gender affirming voice care involves thoughtful assessment and tailored exercises to help build the confidence and skills needed to express yourself fully and naturally. The goal is to empower you to find a voice that feels authentic, comfortable, and represents who you truly are.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to see an Ear Nose and Throat doctor or Otolaryngologist before participating in voice therapy?
It is recommended that you meet with an ENT, ideally a laryngologist, if you are experiencing change to your voice lasting more than three weeks. This is to rule out or identify any structural or functional factors that may be contributing to these changes. Voice therapy may be helpful while waiting to see an ENT to determine if behavioural changes improve the quality or feeling of your voice.
2. What is gender-affirming voice care and how can it help me?
Gender-affirming voice care helps individuals who wish to align their voice with their gender identity, focusing on pitch, resonance, quality, intonation, and overall vocal health. Other communication targets, such as non-verbal communication and speech sounds, may also be helpful for some people. An ENT referral is not necessary.
3. Can I achieve a voice that aligns with my gender identity without surgery?
Yes, many individuals achieve a voice that feels affirming to them through therapy alone. Surgery is an option for some but is not necessary to achieve significant voice changes.
4. What can I do at home to practice the techniques I learn in voice therapy?
Consistent vocal exercises provided by your speech-language pathologist, practicing speaking in different contexts, and using apps or recording tools may help monitor your progress and reinforce the techniques you learn in therapy.
5. How can a speech-language pathologist help with chronic cough and breathing issues?
Through targeted exercises and strategies, the speech-language pathologist can help improve cough effectiveness and coordination, as well as optimize breathing patterns for better respiratory control. Additionally, they can offer guidance on vocal hygiene to minimize throat irritation and help manage chronic cough. An ENT referral is highly recommended.
6. Is private voice therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover private voice therapy. You will need to check with your insurance provider to determine how much coverage you will receive.
7. Do you do direct billing?
Yes! Many insurance companies allow speech-language pathologists to direct bill but not all of them. If your insurance company does not allow for direct billing, a receipt will be provided that can be submitted for reimbursement.