Which therapeutic technique is most appropriate for treating hyperfunctional voice disorders?

The selection of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises as the most appropriate therapeutic technique for treating hyperfunctional voice disorders is grounded in their ability to promote healthy vocal function while reducing excess tension in the voice mechanism.

Hyperfunctional voice disorders are characterized by excessive muscle tension during phonation, which can lead to strain, fatigue, and an overall detrimental impact on vocal quality. Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, such as lip trills or straw phonation, create a back pressure in the vocal tract that encourages vibration of the vocal folds without excessive force. These exercises help to balance airflow and pressure, allowing for a more efficient and relaxed phonation, ultimately leading to reduced tension in the muscles involved in voice production.

In contrast, the other techniques—pushing, pulling, and isometric exercises—may unnecessarily increase tension rather than alleviate it. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment is beneficial for individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and emphasizes increasing vocal loudness, which may not specifically address hyperfunctional patterns. Coughing and throat clearing are not therapeutic techniques; instead, they can exacerbate vocal strain and contribute to further hyperfunction. Thus, semi-occluded vocal tract exercises specifically target the needs of individuals with hyperfunctional voice disorders effectively, making them