Vox Daily

Looking for a solution to your vocal problems?

Whether you are a professional voice user (voice talent, teacher, or musician) or simply concerned about your voice, there are places you can go for help.

The Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) offers a unique clinic for anyone who would like a vocal diagnosis or is seeking treatment for current vocal ailments.

The clinic opened last September and has been a popular destination, giving Londoners the option to receive treatment (by referral) in town rather than travel long distances to see experts in other cities.

As mentioned on the UWO website, patients will be assessed by a team that includes ear, nose and throat specialist Kevin Fung, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology; Simon McBride, Adjunct Professor and Director of the Vocal Function Lab, Department of Otolaryngology; Lori Holmes, Guest Lecturer, and Speech-Language Pathologist, School of Communication Sciences & Disorders; and baritone Theodore Baerg, Associate Professor, Co-ordinator of Graduate Vocal Studies, Don Wright Faculty of Music, cross-appointment with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and internationally renowned singer.

I've mentioned Ted Baerg on the blog before, and can assure you that you and your voice will be in the best and most capable of hands at the Vocal Health Clinic. If you're from London or the surrounding area and are concerned about your voice, ask your doctor for a referral to the clinic.

The clinic is open on Fridays through referral only. During your appointment, you will receive a comprehensive assessment of your vocal health. On average, an appointment lasts two hours, concluding with an individual diagnosis and a care plan that you can take home. A written report, test results, DVD and photograph of your larynx (voice box) is included.

Treatment may include voice therapy, vocal arts/speech training, medications, laryngeal laser microsurgery, massage therapy and physical therapy. The emphasis is on educating people about healthy vocal habits, prevention of voice problems and diagnosis.

If you sense that you are having trouble with your voice or have grown too accustomed to chronic throat irritations, I encourage you to ask your doctor as soon as possible about where you can go for help, whether to the Vocal Health Clinic at the London Health Sciences Centre (Victoria Hospital), or somewhere closer to where you reside.

For more information, download a PDF brochure about the Vocal Health Clinic by visiting this link and clicking on "Specialty Clinics".

Best,

Stephanie

P.S. I found a helpful article related to my post at DairyTruth.com. Click on the link for more information about how you can look after your voice - there's an emphasis on vocal strain and laryngitis treatment.