Vocal Rest Programs Flashcards
why is the use of vocal rest as a treatment strategy is controversial?
- 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
when to implement vocal rest
- 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
implementing vocal rest following the various forms of laryngeal surgery
- 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
implementing vocal rest as the initial treatment of some lesions of the larynx
- particularly vocal fold hemorrhage or mucosal tear
- allows the lesion to regress and lessens the severity of any associated dysphonia
program of modified vocal rest
speaking when only absolutely essential and using healthy vocal strategies
how to address advantages and disadvantages of vocal rest
use a criteria of looking to see if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
advantages of vocal rest
- 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
usually see a rapid reduction in the size and severity of the laryngeal lesion
frequently accompanied by a decrease in the severity of the associated dysphonia
it allows the individual the opportunity to identify those situations that promote
identification of situation-specific vocal behavior is the first step in enabling the patient to modify the situations that promote vocal misuse
allows the therapist to determine the individual’s commitment to the process of voice improvement
if the patient is unable to adhere to the program you might want to internally question whether they are committed to making a change
disadvantages of vocal rest
- 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
extremely difficult task for the average person to adhere to and is even more difficult for those who misuse their voice (talky)
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
some patients become depressed with continued vocal rest
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
duration of vocal rest program
- typically 4-7 days
- rarely longer than 7 days
types of vocal rest programs
- complete vocal rest
- modified vocal rest
complete vocal rest
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
behaviors to avoid during complete vocal rest
- speaking
- singing
- humming
- whispering
- coughing
- throat clearing
- laughing
- lifting/pushing heavy objects
- forceful effort during bowel movements
modified vocal rest definition
the use of voice is significantly reduced but not completely eliminated
modified vocal rest
- 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
conditions when vocalization is permitted during modified vocal rest
- 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
vocal rest program for children
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
which type of vocal rest programs are more suitable for children?
modified vocal rest because the primary goal is to reduce talking time by one-half or more
a vocal rest program can only be used with children who
understand what has caused the laryngeal lesion
the child must be made to understand that
he/she is directly responsible for changing his/her vocal behavior and not anyone else
what is vital to the success of this program?
- 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
explain to the child that he/she will only have to reduce the amount of talking he/she does for how long?
7 days
guidelines the child’s vocal rest program
- 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
the child is allowed to answer questions in the classroom but should be excused from activities requiring talking to large groups
- reading aloud
- no singing is permitted
the child must not talk during recess, lunch, or physical education
- 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
the child is allowed to talk quiet with the family at mealtimes
parents must make an effort to limit verbal competition
