Vocal Rest Programs

Question 1

why is the use of vocal rest as a treatment strategy is controversial?

Answer 1

• some feel that it places too many unrealistic demands and hardships on the individual
• others advocate such a program in certain situations of its therapeutic effects

Question 2

when to implement vocal rest

Answer 2

• following various forms of laryngeal surgery
• as the initial treatment of some lesions of the larynx
• experiencing acute inflammations of the voice
• following development of vocal nodules or edema

Question 3

implementing vocal rest following the various forms of laryngeal surgery

Answer 3

• to promote healing of the traumatized tissue
• this is particularly true if surgery has involved the margins of the vocal folds
• by eliminating phonation and other laryngeal activities, it prevents the irritation caused by vocal fold vibration and adduction

Question 4

implementing vocal rest as the initial treatment of some lesions of the larynx

Answer 4

• particularly vocal fold hemorrhage or mucosal tear
• allows the lesion to regress and lessens the severity of any associated dysphonia

Question 5

program of modified vocal rest

Answer 5

speaking when only absolutely essential and using healthy vocal strategies

Question 6

how to address advantages and disadvantages of vocal rest

Answer 6

use a criteria of looking to see if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Question 7

advantages of vocal rest

Answer 7

• usually see a rapid reduction in the size and severity of the laryngeal lesion
• it allows the individual the opportunity to identify those situations that promote
• allows the therapist to determine the individual’s commitment to the process of voice improvement

Question 8

usually see a rapid reduction in the size and severity of the laryngeal lesion

Answer 8

frequently accompanied by a decrease in the severity of the associated dysphonia

Question 9

it allows the individual the opportunity to identify those situations that promote

Answer 9

identification of situation-specific vocal behavior is the first step in enabling the patient to modify the situations that promote vocal misuse

Question 10

allows the therapist to determine the individual’s commitment to the process of voice improvement

Answer 10

if the patient is unable to adhere to the program you might want to internally question whether they are committed to making a change

Question 11

disadvantages of vocal rest

Answer 11

• for those who use their voices professionally, it may be financially impossible for them to implement such a program
• it is an extremely difficult task for the average person to adhere to and is even more difficult for those who misuse for those who misuse their voice (talky)
• some patients become depressed with continued vocal rest

Question 12

extremely difficult task for the average person to adhere to and is even more difficult for those who misuse their voice (talky)

Answer 12

might be more beneficial to instruct the patient to reduce talking slightly while using a manner of voice production that does not harm the vocal mechanism

Question 13

some patients become depressed with continued vocal rest

Answer 13

this is because some forms of abuse are related to emotional or personality factors, the addition of a program of vocal rest might serve to further compromise their mental state

Question 14

duration of vocal rest program

Answer 14

• typically 4-7 days
• rarely longer than 7 days

Question 15

types of vocal rest programs

Answer 15

• complete vocal rest
• modified vocal rest

Question 16

complete vocal rest

Answer 16

elimination of all activities that either adduct the vocal folds into forced approximation with each other or cause the vocal folds to vibrate and result in the production of sound

Question 17

behaviors to avoid during complete vocal rest

Answer 17

• speaking
• singing
• humming
• whispering
• coughing
• throat clearing
• laughing
• lifting/pushing heavy objects
• forceful effort during bowel movements

Question 18

modified vocal rest definition

Answer 18

the use of voice is significantly reduced but not completely eliminated

Question 19

modified vocal rest

Answer 19

• it is slightly less rigid than the total vocal rest program in that it allows some talking under controlled conditions
• with the exception of speaking, participants in this program avoid all the same activities as those in a total rest program

Question 20

conditions when vocalization is permitted during modified vocal rest

Answer 20

• conversation is limited to a total time of no more than 15 minutes per day
• each period of talking must be limited to no more than 5 minutes in duration
• conversations must be one-on-one and in an environment that has a minimum level of background noise

Question 21

vocal rest program for children

Answer 21

implementing a program of vocal rest is especially difficult with children (think how tough it is for adults) as they find it especially difficult to refrain from talking

Question 22

which type of vocal rest programs are more suitable for children?

Answer 22

modified vocal rest because the primary goal is to reduce talking time by one-half or more

Question 23

a vocal rest program can only be used with children who

Answer 23

understand what has caused the laryngeal lesion

Question 24

the child must be made to understand that

Answer 24

he/she is directly responsible for changing his/her vocal behavior and not anyone else

Question 25

what is vital to the success of this program?

Answer 25

• parental support and encouragement
• modeling of good vocal habits by the parents is essential
• success can be further promoted by all involvement of all members of the family

Question 26

explain to the child that he/she will only have to reduce the amount of talking he/she does for how long?

Answer 26

7 days

Question 27

guidelines the child’s vocal rest program

Answer 27

• the child can talk quietly to the parents in the morning before school
• the child is allowed to answer questions in the classroom but should be excused from activities requiring talking to large groups
• the child must not talk during recess, lunch, or physical education
• the child is permitted to talk quietly to the parents after school for a brief period but then no talking is allowed until mealtimes
• the child’s talking time during the evening hours be as limited as possible

Question 28

the child is allowed to answer questions in the classroom but should be excused from activities requiring talking to large groups

Answer 28

• reading aloud
• no singing is permitted

Question 29

the child must not talk during recess, lunch, or physical education

Answer 29

• high background noise levels requiring increased loudness/activities in which child tends to yell or shout typically
• by prohibiting we lessen the chance for a slip up

Question 30

the child is allowed to talk quiet with the family at mealtimes

Answer 30

parents must make an effort to limit verbal competition