Why Is My Singing Voice Hoarse? – Private Voice Therapy and Vocal Coaching for Singers
Targeted voice therapy for the spoken voice to stabilize and protect it, then we gradually progress into singing exercises. This structured approach helps singers recover, strengthen, and safely expand their voice while reducing the risk of further damage.
Why Is My Singing Voice Hoarse? – Private Voice Therapy and Vocal Coaching for Singers
If you’re a singer, nothing is more frustrating than your voice not working the way it should. Maybe your high notes feel unreachable, your voice sounds hoarse, or singing is physically uncomfortable. Even small changes can be stressful, affect your performances, and have a real impact on your singing—whether it’s your career or your hobby.
Many singers experience vocal strain, vocal nodules, or muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), and often struggle because they’ve never been taught the techniques to sing safely, maintain vocal health, and prevent damage to their voice.
Our private voice therapy and vocal coaching for singers helps you recover your voice, improve technique, and sing with confidence—with no waiting list.
Why is my singing voice hoarse?
Hoarseness can develop from vocal nodules, muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), or other voice-related conditions. Many singers experience challenges with both their speaking and singing voices, often due to overuse, demanding schedules, or insufficient vocal technique. Seeking help early is essential to prevent long-term damage. We recommend asking your GP for a referral to an ENT specialist for assessment. In the meantime, we are able to support singers while they await their appointment, helping them care for and protect their voices. The waiting lists for NHS voice therapy can be months so its best to start voice therapy as soon as possible to get you on the road to recovery.
Why have I lost my high notes?
When the voice is affected by Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) or Vocal Nodules, the fine adjustments needed for higher pitches become much harder.
With Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), excessive muscle tension around the larynx makes the vocal folds stiff and less flexible. High notes require the folds to stretch, thin, and vibrate quickly, but tension prevents this movement, so the upper range often feels strained, tight, or unreachable.
With vocal nodules, small swellings develop on the vocal folds from repeated strain or overuse. These prevent the folds from closing and vibrating cleanly, especially on delicate high notes, which may come out breathy, weak, or disappear entirely.
Because high notes rely on precise and efficient vocal fold movement, they are often the first part of the range to be affected when there’s a problem. The good news is that with the right voice therapy and targeted singing exercises, it’s possible to reduce strain, protect your voice, and gradually regain your full upper range.
Why does singing feel painful or tight?
Singing can feel painful or tight when the voice is affected by muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) or vocal nodules. cause excess tension around the larynx makes the vocal folds stiff and less flexible, so producing notes — especially higher ones — requires more effort and can feel uncomfortable. Nodules, small swellings on the vocal folds, interfere with smooth vibration and closure, often causing strain, fatigue, or a tight sensation in the voice.
Straining the voice without professional guidance can make these issues worse, which is why expert therapy is so important.
Through therapy, underlying tension is released, breath support and technique are improved, and vocal stamina is gradually rebuilt. This approach helps singers restore comfort, ease, and confidence in both speaking and singing. With consistent practice and skilled guidance, most singers are able to sing without pain and regain control over their full vocal range.
Can overuse or demanding schedules damage my voice?
Yes. Long rehearsals, consecutive performances, and teaching or recording can strain your voice. Repeated strain makes it harder to sing high notes, maintain stamina, or speak comfortably.
Our private voice therapy and vocal coaching addresses overuse with:
Safe vocal techniques
Vocal stamina training
Recovery strategies between performances
This helps you maintain a strong, resilient voice, even under demanding schedules.
Can a vocal coach help with a damaged voice?
Absolutely. Our private voice therapy and vocal coaching for singing combines clinical expertise with practical singing guidance to address:
Technique – ensuring healthy, efficient vocal production
Muscle tension – releasing strain that can limit range or cause discomfort
Stamina – building endurance for both speaking and singing
Performance demands – preparing the voice for real-world singing and speaking situations
We begin with targeted voice therapy for the spoken voice to stabilize and protect it, then gradually progress into singing exercises. This structured approach helps singers recover, strengthen, and safely expand their voice while reducing the risk of further damage.
What does voice therapy involve?
Voice therapy depends on your diagnosis and individual needs. Our UK-based specialist speech and language therapists offer personalised techniques to improve voice quality, stamina, and overall vocal health.
This may include:
Improving voice projection and resonance
Vocal hygiene and reducing harmful vocal behaviours
Releasing muscle tension through relaxation and semi-occluded vocal tract exercises
Increasing vocal stamina to prevent fatigue
Managing reflux (LPR) affecting vocal health
Structured exercises to strengthen and balance your voice
Our private voice therapists are highly qualified and accredited in a range of specialist techniques, including:
Myofascial Release manual therapy
Advanced Laryngeal Manipulation
Therapy is tailored to help you sing and speak with confidence, comfort, and endurance.
Can I have voice therapy with the NHS?
Yes. An ENT consultant may refer you to a NHS Voice Therapist, but waiting lists can be long. Many singers choose private therapy to start sooner due to work, performance, or income pressures.
Do you have a waiting list?
No. We have no waiting list and can usually book you in within one week of your consultation, so you can start without delay.
Why should I choose The Speech Network for voice therapy and vocal coaching?
Expert Voice therapist with stage experience: Our voice therapist is a trained singer who performed for 10 years in the West End, providing insight that bridges therapy and performance.
Vocal coaching expertise: Our coach has 17 years of experience with professional and amateur singers, including teaching at prestigious acting schools.
Stepwise, performance-focused approach: We begin with speaking voice rehabilitation, then carefully progress into singing exercises to build stamina, range, and control.
Immediate access: No waiting list—therapy can start quickly.
This combination ensures singers recover, maintain, and enhance their speaking and singing voice safely and effectively.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy.
Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Private Voice Therapy.
Can stress and anxiety cause hoarseness? Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD).
Chronic hoarseness is often a sign that your body is carrying tension, stress, or anxiety — and your voice is simply showing it. You’re not alone, and experiencing this is completely normal.
Your voice feels hoarse, scratchy, or tired — not just once, but every day, especially in the evenings after a long day of teaching, talking, singing, or leading online meetings on Zoom. Maybe it happens even more when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. It can be frustrating, and it might make everyday conversations feel like hard work.
Chronic hoarseness is often a sign that your body is carrying tension, stress, or anxiety — and your voice is simply showing it. You’re not alone, and experiencing this is completely normal.
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder caused by excessive tension in the muscles around the larynx (voice box), neck, jaw, and shoulders. It can make your voice feel strained, hoarse, or fatigued, and it often worsens with prolonged voice use (Mathieson & Morrison, 2018).
How does stress or anxiety cause Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Stress and anxiety can affect your voice in multiple ways:
Muscle tension: Stress naturally tightens the muscles of the throat, neck, jaw, and larynx, making speaking or singing harder and uncomfortable — a hallmark of MTD (Behrman & Epstein, 2001).
Breathing changes: Anxiety often causes shallow, upper-chest breathing, raising your shoulders and taking in less air. Over time, this reinforces tension in the throat and neck, contributing to Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) (Verdolini et al., 1994).
Vocal fatigue: Chronic stress can make your voice tire more quickly. Even short periods of talking may leave you hoarse, and prolonged use worsens Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) symptoms (Roy et al., 2004).
Work-related stress: When Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) affects your voice, it can become unreliable, which is stressful at work. You may worry about straining your voice, performing well, or the financial impact of time off, especially when using your voice heavily for teaching, meetings, or online calls.
Emotional signaling: Hoarseness or tightness often reflects the stress or emotions you’re carrying. Your body is signaling it’s overloaded and needs help (Behrman & Epstein, 2001).
How is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) diagnosed?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is usually diagnosed by a voice specialist or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor). During an examination, an ENT may use laryngoscopy or endoscopy to look at your vocal folds. In most cases of MTD, the vocal folds appear normal structurally, even though you experience hoarseness, strain, or vocal fatigue. This is why MTD is often described as a functional voice disorder, meaning the problem is in how the voice is being used, not in the anatomy itself (Mathieson & Morrison, 2018).
What are the symptoms of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
The most common symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia include:
Voice that sounds hoarse or strained
Voice becomes weaker and more effort the longer your voice is used.
Difficulty singing notes that used to be easy.
Pain or tension in your throat
Feeling like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.
How common is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is surprisingly common, especially among people who use their voices a lot:
Teachers: About 1 in 5 report work-related voice problems (Roy et al., 2004).
Singers: Around 46% notice dysphonia at some point (Roy et al., 2005).
Other professional voice users: Actors, broadcasters, and public speakers — nearly 4 in 10 experience similar issues (Roy et al., 2004).
In voice clinics, Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed voice disorders. Many patients seeking help for chronic hoarseness, strain, or vocal fatigue are found to have Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) as a primary or contributing factor (Mathieson & Morrison, 2018).
Can Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) be treated?
Yes! Voice therapy is the treatment for muscle tension dysphonia.
Release tension in the larynx, neck, jaw, and shoulders
Improve breath support and posture
Teach strategies to manage stress and prevent vocal strain
Make your voice more reliable and comfortable for work, teaching, or online meetings (Mathieson & Morrison, 2018)
Do you have a waiting list?
No- most people are seen within one week on the free consultation.
How long does Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) last?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia if untreated can last for months or years for some people. This is because they may be in a high voice use occupation such as a teacher, manager or call center and continue to abuse their voices without treatment. The treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia is Voice therapy. Typically people require 6-8 sessions following an assessment.
Why choose The Speech Network for Voice Therapy?
Our UK-based private voice therapists are all Clinical Specialists in Voice, each with a minimum of 15 years’ experience. They currently work, or have previously worked, as Senior Voice Therapists within the NHS.
All our therapists are fully registered and accredited, including:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Our private voice therapy team is highly rated, with outstanding 5-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 Quality Business Award winner.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
References
Behrman, A., & Epstein, R. (2001). Effects of stress and anxiety on voice production. Journal of Voice, 15(2), 214–228.
Mathieson, L., & Morrison, M. (2018). Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Assessment and Management. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 26(6), 441–447.
Roy, N., Merrill, R. M., Gray, S. D., & Smith, E. M. (2004). Voice disorders in teachers and the general population: Effects on work performance, attendance, and future career choices. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 47(3), 542–551.
Roy, N., et al. (2005). Prevalence of voice disorders among singers: A literature review. Journal of Voice, 19(3), 478–493.
Verdolini, K., Titze, I. R., & Fennell, A. (1994). Dependence of phonatory effort on respiratory drive. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 37(4), 749–756.
Why Do I Lose My Voice So Often as a Teacher?
Up to 70% of teachers can experience voice disorders. This tends to occur due to overuse or misuse of your voice. You may be experiencing throat discomfort, vocal fatigue and hoarseness. In some cases teachers experience vocal nodules. Prolonged voice loss should be investigated and you can request a referral to ENT via your GP. Voice loss can affect your job performance and may cause you to be sick or absent from work as you are unable to teach.
You're in the middle of a lesson. Your voice feels tight, raspy, and unreliable. By the end of the day, you're hoarse, exhausted, or even in pain.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it may be more than just “overuse.” Many teachers experiencing these symptoms are unknowingly dealing with a voice condition called Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD). Voice rest is not enough - and you keep losing your voice frequently and its affecting your work.
Why do teachers lose their voice?
Teachers use their voices a lot. Voice loss tends to occur due to overuse or misuse of your voice. But it’s not just the hours of speaking—it’s how, where, and under what pressure. Classrooms are often noisy, acoustically challenging spaces. Add in stress, lack of voice training, and few breaks, and it’s no wonder that around 50–70% of teachers experience voice problems at some point.
Our UK Voice therapists will help you identify the causal factors and put together a bespoke plan to support you in improving your voice, and prevent voice loss.
When should I worry about losing my voice?
Prolonged voice loss and Voice changes should be investigated and you can request a referral to ENT via your GP. Voice loss can affect your job performance and may cause you to be sick or absent from work as you are unable to teach. Teachers may resign due to voice issues. Your voice is your an important tool and you may need to either have voice therapy to restore your voice or improve your vocal techniques.
How can voice therapy help?
The recommended treatment for frequent and ongoing voice loss is voice therapy. Typically in 4-6 sessions we can improve your voice. We can support you with preventative techniques so that you do not lose your voice, feel strain or discomfort - so you can confidently teach without worrying about your voice.
How can I stop losing my voice as a teacher?
Speak less - take regular breaks.
Use non-verbal techniques to gain attention rather than shouting
Use audio-visual aids where possible
Use amplification where possible
Vocal hygiene to look after your voice.
Can voice coaching help me stop losing my voice as a teacher?
Our therapists are both voice therapists and voice coaches - the perfect combination to improve your voice and provide you with preventative techniques for using your voice in the classroom.
We can also support you with finding your voice as a teacher - to free your voice and speech of habits that impact on your self confidence such as speaking too fast, mumbling, speaking too quietly or unclear pronunciation. Habits are hard to break but Voice & Speech Coaching UK can provide you with strategies to change the way you communicate to be your true self.
Can I have voice therapy with the NHS?
The referral from GP to ENT can be a quick process. Unfortunatly, the wait for NHS voice therapy may take months, which could impact on your work. Our voice therapists are able to see you while you wait for NHS therapy. Voice coaching is not available in the NHS - our Voice Coaches are unique as they are also Clinical Voice Specialists.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
Why have I had a hoarse voice for months?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) produces vocal symptoms without any physical damage. Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a change in the sound of your voice due to excessive muscle tension in and around the larynx (voice box). It is very common, particularly in professional voice users such as teachers or lawyers that use their voice throughout the day to communicate.
If you have had a hoarse voice that continues for that lasts more than 3 weeks, it is recommended that you discuss this with your GP. A hoarse Voice can be caused by laryngitis but it also can be a symptom of laryngeal cancer. Therefore, your GP may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) who will use a camera up your nose to look at your vocal folds. This is not a painful procedure.
What can cause voice loss (also known as Dysphonia)?
Dysphonia is a change in your voice that might make it sound hoarse, breathy, strained, and weak. It may be very effortful to speak and you may experience complete loss of voice. Dysphonia may be caused by vocal fold palsy, nodules (or nodes), or Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
Why do ENT say my vocal folds look normal but I still have hoarseness?
The good news is that ENT did not find any damage to your vocal cords. However, many people are left wondering why they have a hoarse voice. Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) produces vocal symptoms without any physical damage. Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a change in the sound of your voice due to excessive muscle tension in and around the larynx (voice box). It is very common, particularly in professional voice users such as teachers or lawyers that use their voice throughout the day to communicate.
What are the symptoms of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
The most common symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia include:
Voice that sounds hoarse or strained
Voice becomes weaker and more effort the longer your voice is used.
Difficulty singing notes that used to be easy.
Pain or tension in your throat
Feeling like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.
Why do I have a hoarse voice and a feeling of a lump in my throat?
The tightness of the muscles in your throat due to Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) causes people to feel that they have a lump in their throat, tightness or tension. The medical word for this feeling is ‘Globus’ and it is very common. It can be caused by main factors including anxiety, stress and reflux. It can be very effortful you to speak when they feel tension. Through Voice therapy we examine the factors that are causing you to have this sensation and aim to reduce the tension in this area.
Why do I have a hoarse voice, mucus in my throat and feel like I need to throat clear or cough?
As a result of tension people feel in their throat due to Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) or Globus, people feel that they need to throat clear. Throat clearing often results in a habit of frequently throat clearing which produces more mucous. Throat Clearing is multi-factorial and we aim to reduce throat clearing through a thorough case history and voice therapy strategies.
Is a hoarse voice a symptom of anxiety or stress?
A hoarse voice as a result of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) may be linked with stress or anxiety. We all feel stress in different parts of our body and some people of vulnerable to holding tension within their laryngeal area. Our Voice Therapists have counselling skills that can support you to understand the emotional causes of your voice problem. If a voice problem is affecting your work, this can be an additional financial stress. Through voice therapy we can support you to improve your voice through vocal techniques to help you feel more relaxed.
How long does Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) last?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia if untreated can last for months or years for some people. This is because they may be in a high voice use occupation such as a teacher, manager or call center and continue to abuse their voices without treatment. The treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia is Voice therapy. Typically people require 6-8 sessions following an assessment.
Why do i have a hoarse voice at the end of the day?
You may be losing your voice towards the end of the day due to using your voice ineffectively throughout the day. Our voice therapists will analyse the ways in which you use your voice, change your vocal behaviours to reduce strain in the laryngeal area so that you will be able to sustain your voice throughout the day.
How do I have Muscle Tension Dysphonia treatment at home?
Online Voice Therapy is as effective as face to face. This means that you can have Muscle Tension Dysphonia treatment at home.
What does voice therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia involve?
Voice therapy involves
Bespoke voice exercises
Exercises to reduce laryngeal tension
Improving breath support for speech
Reducing harmful behaviours
Increase vocal stamina
Improving pitch and volume
Improving voice amplification
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
In most cases, Muscle Tension Dysphonia produces vocal symptoms without any actual physical damage. However, if the voice continues to be used ineffectively, it can cause changes to the vocal folds. Voice Therapy is an effective treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a change in the sound of your voice due to excessive muscle tension in and around the larynx (voice box). Muscle Tension Dysphonia produces vocal symptoms without any physical damage. Commonly, people will have had their Larynx examined by a Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and have been told that there is no observable physical damage.
Muscle tension dysphonia may be caused by longterm ineffective voice use, voice overuse, irritants (such as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) , infection or emotional stress. While the initial cause may go away, the voice changes remain because of the ineffective habitual voice use.
How can my job cause Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
Jobs that require lots of talking and projection may result in voice overuse and voice abuse. Professions such as teachers, actors and singers may lose their voices. This can have an impact financially and can feel stressful. Our UK Voice therapists will help you identify the causal factors and put together a bespoke plan to support you in improving your voice.
What are the symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia?
The most common symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia include:
Voice that sounds hoarse or strained
Voice becomes weaker and more effort the longer your voice is used.
Difficulty singing notes that used to be easy.
Pain or tension in your throat
Feeling like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.
How is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) diagnosed in the UK?
Typically, if you are experiencing voice difficulties, your GP will refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) for an assessment of your voice. Muscle Tension Dysphonia is diagnosed through the evaluation of your larynx using a camera in your nose to view your vocal folds.
What is the Treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) in the UK?
The treatment for muscle tension dysphonia is voice therapy to reduce muscle tension and focus on effective voice use. You are likely to require 6-8 sessions of voice therapy to improve your voice.
What does Voice Therapy in the UK involve for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Voice therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the UK involves:
Bespoke voice exercises
Exercises to reduce laryngeal tension
Improving breath support for speech
Reducing harmful behaviours
Increase vocal stamina
Improving pitch and volume
Improving voice amplification
How long does it take for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) to go away?
Most people require 6-8 sessions that they typically book weekly. It is very important that you follow the advice and complete the exercises given by the Voice Therapist outside of sessions to assist in your recovery from Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
Why do I have a hoarse voice and a feeling of a lump in my throat?
The tightness of the muscles in your throat due to Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) causes people to feel that they have a lump in their throat, tightness or tension. The medical word for this feeling is ‘Globus’ and it is very common. It can be caused by main factors including anxiety, stress and reflux. It can be very effortful you to speak when they feel tension. Through Voice therapy we examine the factors that are causing you to have this sensation and aim to reduce the tension in this area.
Why do I have a hoarse voice, mucus in my throat and feel like I need to throat clear or cough?
As a result of tension people feel in their throat due to Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) or Globus, people feel that they need to throat clear. Throat clearing often results in a habit of frequently throat clearing which produces more mucous. Throat Clearing is multi-factorial and we aim to reduce throat clearing through a thorough case history and voice therapy strategies.
Is a hoarse voice a symptom of anxiety or stress?
A hoarse voice as a result of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) may be linked with stress or anxiety. We all feel stress in different parts of our body and some people of vulnerable to holding tension within their laryngeal area. Our Voice Therapists have counselling skills that can support you to understand the emotional causes of your voice problem. If a voice problem is affecting your work, this can be an additional financial stress. Through voice therapy we can support you to improve your voice through vocal techniques to help you feel more relaxed.
Can I have Voice Therapy with the NHS in the UK?
The referral from GP to ENT can be a quick process. Unfortunatly, the wait for NHS voice therapy may take months, which could impact on your work. Our voice therapists are able to see you while you wait for NHS therapy. Voice coaching is not available in the NHS - our Voice Coaches are unique as they are also Clinical Voice Specialists.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy in the UK.
How can reflux affect the Voice?
Muscle Tension dysphonia (MTD) and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux often co-occur. We see clients that may have not responded to medications. Voice therapy can boost the recovery period and is essential to reduce discomfort and overcome damaging behaviours
How does reflux affect the voice ?
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) is also known as ‘silent reflux’ because many people do not show any symptoms such as heartburn commonly associated with reflux.
What is laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
Stomach juices are made up of digestive acids. Some of these juices can travel up the oesophagus, spill into the throat, affecting the voice. This is called laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR). This causes hoarseness. Additional symptoms are throat clearing, a sore dry throat, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, a feeling of phlegm in the throat, chronic cough or excessive burping. A lump in the throat sensation called ‘Globus’ is a common symptom.
How is laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnosed?
An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor uses a small thin camera that is passed through your nose, to view your larynx or voice box. This is called an endoscopy. Our Voice therapist will ask you about your symptoms and often use a short questionnaire to identify your symptoms.
How is Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated?
It can be treated by medications to treat stomach acid, through dietary changes working with our team of Voice Therapists, and occasionally surgery.
How can a Speech Therapist help with reflux?
Muscle Tension dysphonia (MTD) and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) often co-occur. We see clients that may have not responded to medications, and alleviate symptoms often attributed to LPR. Voice therapy can boost the recovery period and is essential to reduce discomfort and overcome damaging behaviours
Our Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.