Penn Medicine Becker ENT

  • Patient Forms
  • Reviews

Search

Facebook (opens in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab) YouTube (opens in a new tab)
  • Request an Appointment
  • Find a Doctor
  • Our Locations
    • Our Locations
    • View More Locations
    • Freehold Township, NJ
    • Princeton, NJ (Bunn Drive)
    • Hillsborough Township, NJ
    • Princeton, NJ (Ewing Street)
    • Lawrenceville, NJ
    • Robbinsville Township, NJ
    • Monroe Township, NJ
    • Sewell, NJ
    • Mount Laurel Township, NJ
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (East Evesham Rd)
    • Mullica Hill, NJ
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (Haddonfield-Berlind Rd)
    • Philadelphia, PA (South St)
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (Sheppard Rd)
    • Philadelphia, PA (Walnut St)
    • Woodbury, NJ
    • Plainsboro, NJ
    • Yardley, PA
  • Our Services
    • Our Services
    • Read Our Articles
    • Ears
      • Hearing Loss Treatment
      • Tinnitus Treatment
      • Ear Infections
      • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
      • Hearing Aids
      • Comprehensive Ear Wax Buildup Care
    • Sleep and Snoring
      • Snoring & Sleep Treatment
      • Sleep Apnea Treatment
      • Turbinate Reduction
    • Nose & Sinus
      • Balloon Sinuplasty
      • Nasal Polyps
      • Sinusitis
      • Sinus Pressure and Pain
      • Sinus Headaches
      • VivAer® and RhinAer® Treatments
    • Allergy
      • Allergic Asthma
      • Allergic Conjunctivitis
      • Allergic Contact Dermatitis
      • Allergic Rhinitis
      • Anaphylaxis
      • Angioedema
      • Drug Allergy
      • Food Allergy
      • Latex Allergies
      • Mold Allergies
      • Penicillin Allergy
      • Pet Allergy
      • Pollen Allergy
      • Seasonal Allergies
    • Throat
      • Swallowing Disorders Treatment
      • Voice Disorders
      • Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy
      • Tonsil Infections
      • Professional Voice Disorder
      • Stroboscopy
      • Voice Therapy
      • FEES
      • Chronic Cough
    • Head and Neck
      • Airway Problems
      • Thyroid Disease
      • GERD
    • Pediatric
      • Pediatric ENT
      • Adenoid Hypertrophy
      • Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
  • Patients Forms
  • Reviews
Home / Blog / Voice Therapy Techniques for Better Communication

Voice Therapy Techniques for Better Communication

Posted by Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy

The information provided below and throughout this website is presented for general educational purposes only and does NOT constitute professional medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice and NO material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Voice therapy techniques powerful, evidence‑based ways to restore clear speech, ease vocal strain, and rebuild confidence in daily conversations. Whether you are a teacher who has grown hoarse, experiencing voice weakening with age, or a seasoned singer protecting a professional voice, the right therapy plan can make voicing feel easy again. At Becker ENT & Allergy, our certified and specialized speech‑language pathologists work closely with our group of ENTs to diagnose the root cause of the voice disorders and then guide patients through targeted exercises that fit their goals and lifestyles. By combining medical expertise with compassionate care, we help children and adults find—and keep—their best voice.

Specialists use visual and auditory cues to teach proper vocal techniques.

Top Takeaways: What You’ll Learn

Before we dive in, here’s a quick snapshot of what this article covers and why it matters.

  1. What voice therapy is and why you may benefit from it
  2. Common warning signs that suggest it’s time to see a specialist.
  3. How physiologic and symptomatic voice therapy techniques improve vocal strength, range, and comfort.
  4. Why Becker ENT & Allergy’s multidisciplinary approach delivers faster, longer‑lasting results.

What is Voice Therapy?

Voice therapy is essentially like physical therapy for your vocal fold muscles. It targets how the voice muscles vibrate, close, and function to create sound. For good, efficient voicing, vocal folds must vibrate in symmetry and have full closure without strain or leakage of air. Various voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia, vocal nodules, vocal cord paralysis, vocal fold cysts, and more can impact this vocal function and change your voice quality and/or make speaking effortful. Voice therapy is different than “speech therapy” which typically targets the clarity, rhythm, and language aspects of communication—helping patients articulate sounds, organize words, and pace their speech. Someone with aphasia after a stroke or a child who stutters may work with a speech therapist even though their vocal cords are perfectly healthy.

What Is the Goal of Voice Therapy?

  • Voice therapy aims to balance breathing, phonation, and resonance so the vocal folds vibrate efficiently and without strain.

Signs You May Need Voice Therapy

You might wonder when a raspy morning voice crosses the line into a medical concern. Changes in voice that last longer than two weeks, pain or fatigue while speaking, and feeling a lump in the throat while speaking are all red flags. If any of these persist, an evaluation can prevent small issues from becoming chronic.

Woman holding her throat mid-speech, showing signs of discomfort often linked to vocal strain or hoarseness.
Throat discomfort while speaking can signal underlying voice disorders needing evaluation.
  • Persistent hoarseness, breathiness, or voice breaks
  • Throat or neck discomfort when talking
  • Frequent loss of voice after meetings, games, or performances
  • Sudden changes in pitch or volume control
  • Change in vocal range while singing

Benefits of Therapy for Voice Disorders

Therapy is more than a set of drills—it is an investment in lifelong vocal health. Tailored exercises strengthen laryngeal muscles, reduce compensatory tension, and teach sustainable speaking habits. Patients often notice clearer tone, wider pitch range, and less effort within weeks. Just as important, therapy can delay or even eliminate the need for surgery in many cases. Summary of benefits include:

  • Restores normal vocal quality and stamina
  • Reduces throat pain, chronic throat clearing, and fatigue
  • Protects professional voice users from career‑threatening injuries
  • Enhances projection and resonance for teachers, coaches, and singers
  • Boosts confidence in social and work situations

Voice Therapy Techniques

Voice therapy comes in two broad categories. Physiologic methods directly adjust how the vocal mechanism works, while symptomatic approaches modify specific behaviors that contribute to strain or poor sound quality. Your speech therapist will often combine both for the best outcome.

Physiologic Techniques

Physiologic voice therapy retrains the entire system—breath support, vocal fold vibration, and resonance chambers—so voice production becomes efficient and effortless. Exercises are practiced daily, then woven into real‑world conversation. Because they address root physiology, results tend to last.

  • Vocal Function Exercises (VFE) – A four‑step routine (warm‑up, stretch, contract, power) that strengthens and balances laryngeal muscles.
  • Semi‑Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVT) – Straw phonation and lip trills that reduce collision force on the vocal folds while improving resonance.
  • Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) – An intensive program for Parkinson’s disease that recalibrates loudness and breath support.
  • Accent Method & Flow Phonation – Rhythmic breathing and abdominal engagement to coordinate airflow and phonation.

Symptomatic Techniques

Symptomatic voice therapy at Becker ENT & Allergy targets everyday habits—pitch, loudness, breathing, and posture—that may be stressing your vocal folds. The team’s speech therapists combine several evidence‑based tools so you can feel (and sound) better right away:

  • Vocal Warm‑Ups – gentle humming, lip trills, or straw phonation that prepare the vocal cords for heavier use.
  • Breath Control & Soft Phonation Onset – coordinated abdominal breathing and “easy starts” that eliminate hard glottal attacks.
  • Pitch & Volume Control – guided drills that keep you out of strain‑inducing extremes and restore a natural speaking range.
  • Resonant Voice Therapy – forward‑focus techniques that amplify sound without extra effort.
  • Relaxation & Laryngeal Massage – posture work, neck stretches, and manual laryngeal release that melt away muscle tension.

Don’t let your voice get worse. Get expert care now!

Schedule a consultation with our specialist in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Book Appointment

What Technique is the Best for You?

No single technique fits every voice problem. Most patients benefit from a customized mix—perhaps VFE for strength and resonant voice for daily speech. An expert evaluation ensures therapy matches both the medical condition and your communication goals.

Woman practicing voice therapy techniques using a tablet, demonstrating personalized vocal exercises during an online session.
Therapy is most effective when tailored to individual needs and communication goals.

Why Choose Becker ENT & Allergy for Voice or Speech Therapy?

Our practice pairs board‑certified otolaryngologists with specialty‑trained speech therapists in the same clinic, so you receive seamless medical and therapeutic care in one visit. Advanced diagnostics such as videostroboscopy pinpoint the exact source of hoarseness so you won’t waste time on generic programs. With multiple offices across New Jersey and Philadelphia, convenient scheduling, and telehealth options, expert care is always within reach—book your appointment today and start sounding like yourself again.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Waiting to address chronic hoarseness can lead to compensatory habits, permanent vocal fold damage, or missed medical diagnoses such as vocal fold cancer. Clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology stress that an ENT evaluation within four weeks of persistent dysphonia ensures serious conditions are caught early and that therapy begins while tissues are still responsive. The sooner you act, the faster you’ll recover—and the less likely you’ll need invasive treatment later.

Consult with a Voice Specialist

Ready to reclaim your voice? Schedule a comprehensive voice evaluation at Becker ENT & Allergy today. Our voice specialized SLPs will perform state‑of‑the‑art imaging, and design a personalized exercise plan you can start immediately. Clearer, stronger, and more reliable communication is only an appointment away—call or request a visit online now.

FAQs about Voice Therapy

How long does it take to see results from voice or speech therapy?

Most patients notice early improvements in 3–6 sessions, but lasting change typically requires 6–12 weeks of consistent practice. Your therapist will outline expected milestones and adjust the plan as you progress.

What happens during a voice evaluation?

An ENT physician will first inspect your vocal folds—often with a painless flexible scope—to rule out concerning pathology. You’ll then meet with a speech therapist for a more advanced strobosocpic imaging of your vocal fold vibration to truly assess what is causing the hoarseness. These findings guide a treatment plan tailored to your vocal needs and lifestyle.

Can I continue working or singing while in therapy?

This depends on the particular diagnosis. Most voice injuries do not require complete voice rest, but your therapist may ask you to reduce your overall vocal load to help shorten the healing process.

How does voice therapy support professional voice health and vocal hygiene?

Voice therapy teaches vocal exercises that keep the vocal cords strong, flexible, and well‑aligned, reducing strain during long rehearsals, lectures, or meetings. Speech therapists also coach you on vocal hygiene habits—hydration, warm‑ups, and smart microphone use—that protect professional voice users from common voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia or vocal nodules. By combining daily practice with expert voice care tips, you can maintain peak vocal health and avoid downtime that might interrupt your career.

The content, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No content on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor represent the opinion of our physicians. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical condition or concern.

Book Your Consultation Today

Improve the quality of your life.

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use (opens in a new tab)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Background locations

Call now to schedule your appointment.

Appointments are available. Mon - Fri : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 Safety Updates

Freehold, NJ

732-375-9550

Hillsborough, NJ

908-271-2102

Lawrenceville, NJ

609-303-5163

Monroe, NJ

609-831-0779

Mt. Laurel, NJ

856-724-4031

Mullica Hill, NJ

856-478-3111

Philadelphia, PA (South St)

215-671-6330

Philadelphia, PA (Walnut St)

215-929-8301

Plainsboro, NJ

609-681-6939

Princeton, NJ

609-430-9200

Princeton, NJ

609-759-8500

Robbinsville, NJ

609-436-5740

Sewell, NJ

856-589-6673

Voorhees, NJ

856-565-2900

Voorhees, NJ (Haddonfield-Berlind Rd)

856-375-1440

Voorhees, NJ

856-772-1617

Woodbury, NJ

856-845-8300

Yardley, PA

267-399-4004

SEE ALL LOCATIONS
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Sinus Surgery

Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
The Rhinoplasty Center (opens in a new tab) | Schrader Facial Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Rhinoplasty Archive (opens in a new tab) | Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Becker Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Rejuvenation Resource (opens in a new tab) | Kam Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Anni Wong MD Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab)
Terms . Privacy . HIPAA . Sitemap(opens in a new tab).

Facebook (opens in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab) YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Call one of our locations now!

  • Freehold, NJ: (732) 375-9550
  • Hillsborough, NJ: (908) 271-2102
  • Lawrenceville, NJ: (609) 303-5163
  • Monroe, NJ: (609) 831-0779
  • Mt. Laurel, NJ: (856) 724-4031
  • Mullica Hill, NJ: (856) 478-3111
  • Philadelphia, PA: (215) 671-6330
  • Philadelphia, PA: (215) 929-8301
  • Plainsboro, NJ: (609) 681-6939
  • Princeton, NJ: (609) 759-8500
  • Princeton, NJ: (609) 430-9200
  • Robbinsville, NJ: (609) 436-5740
  • Sewell, NJ: (856) 589-6673
  • Voorhees, NJ: (856) 772-1617
  • Voorhees, NJ: (856) 565-2900
  • Yardley, PA: (267) 399-4004
  • Woodbury, NJ: (856) 845-8300