Archives

Basic Cheat Sheet for the use of Passy Muir Speaking Valve with Ventilation

January 31, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Working with the ventilation population can be initially daunting as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This material provides a basic review of types of ventilation and ventilator settings that are important to know and understand before initiating Passy Muir speaking valve (PMV) trials. Furthermore, a review of the benefits of PMV use and collaboration with a respiratory therapist is provided.
This content is only available to members.

Voice Exercises

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout includes descriptions for the following exercises: deep breathing, lip/tongue trills, yawn-sigh, pitch slides, voicing vowels, syllable repetitions, and humming scales.
This content is only available to members.

Throat Clearing Alternatives

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Frequent unnecessary throat clearing could lead to temporary vocal cord damage. This handout explains some of the natural reasons for throat clearing and how to try to use alternative strategies to reduce vocal cord damage.
This content is only available to members.

Spinal Cord Injury and Speech Therapy

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This resource provides basic education regarding spinal cord injuries and what level of injuries may require rehabilitation from an SLP.
This content is only available to members.

Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) Exercises

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
SOVT exercises are commonly used in voice treatment because they allow the vocal folds to vibrate with less effort and more ease. They can be helpful for warming up the voice, relaxing the voice throughout the day, cooling down the voice, and promoting vocal longevity.
This content is only available to members.

Quick, Informal Voice Assessment

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This two-page evaluation form includes diadochokinetic rate, s/z ratio, maximum phonation, and fundamental frequency. Evidence-based norms are included for all parts.
This content is only available to members.

Vocal Fold Function

January 4, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This resource differentiates asthma and vocal fold dysfunction, laryngospasm vs vocal fold dysfunction, and lists key features of various vocal fold disorders.
This content is only available to members.

Presbyphonia: The Aging Voice

January 4, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout explains presbyphonia, or “the aging voice,” what specific structures of the body change, and how to seek medical treatment if the person’s quality of life is being affected by these vocal changes.
This content is only available to members.

Parkinson’s Disease and Voice Therapy Exercises

January 2, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Lower dopamine levels cause automatic movements —speech, voice, swallowing, walking —to become difficult. This handout focuses on voice exercises with intentional body actions and uses a decibel meter device/application to measure progress.
This content is only available to members.