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A Pilot Study of Voice Therapy Incorporating a Vibration Device Placed at the Larynx for Adults with Vocal Fatigue

  • Author(s) / Creator(s)
  • Vocal fatigue, a symptom of prolonged voice use in everyday life, is a common concern among individuals who frequently use their voices in both professional and non-professional capacities. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of vibration therapy as a treatment for vocal fatigue; a preliminary effort to demonstrate the therapeutic value of applying external vibration to the outside of the larynx to treat symptoms of voice misuse or overuse. A volunteer participant who had been experiencing vocal fatigue was recorded before, during, and after receiving a vibration therapy protocol using a Siri vibration apparatus from Lelo. Recordings were analyzed using speech analysis software and then compared on perceptual and acoustic measures. Changes were noted in perceptual measures of voice quality and level of tension. Acoustic measures of overall amplitude of the speech signal and energy of different formants increased following therapy. All changes were maintained, though not at their peak intensity, after a 30-minute rest period. The results of this study provide evidence of the potential therapeutic value inherent in the application of vibration to the outside of the larynx. It is imperative that all possible risks and benefits of such a therapy protocol be thoroughly investigated before it is applied in the field of Speech-Language Pathology to individuals seeking voice therapy.

  • Date created
    2013-08-06
  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Type of Item
    Report
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/R3K64B75D
  • License
    Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International