Voice evaluations are conducted by certified speech-language pathologists and last 1 1/2 hours. During the evaluation, a thorough history will be obtained and baseline measurements of speech production (including oral-motor strength and coordination, breath support for speech, and vocal quality) will be documented. Vocal volume for reading and conversational tasks will be measured using a digital sound level meter. The patient will be videotaped and audiotaped to obtain a “pre-treatment” speech sample that can later be compared to a “post-treatment” speech sample (Click here to see pre- and post-treatment videos). Swallowing ability and cognitive status will be screened.
In addition, stimulability testing for the treatment will be conducted to determine if the patient is a candidate for voice treatment.
A physician’s order must be obtained in order to schedule a voice evaluation. The order should read “voice evaluation and treatment.”
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