When people develop a hoarse or raspy voice, they may point the finger at several culprits: shouting, talking for an extended period of time, the common cold. But one common source of vocal irritation often gets overlooked: acid reflux.
Typically when people think of acid reflux, they think of the burning, irritating digestive discomfort that accompanies it. What many people don’t realize is acid reflux can affect the voice as well. Reflux occurs when acid from the stomach escapes and flows up into the esophagus. In some cases, it flows even further upward, all the way into the throat, a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR. If person experiences LPR for an extended period of time, the presence of this acid can irritate the vocal chords, causing a weak or hoarse voice. If you notice these symptoms, a corporate speech-language pathologist can help!
As with other vocal issues, a corporate speech-language pathologist can help to rehabilitate a voice affected by LPR. First, the speech professional will perform an evaluation, examining the current quality of the voice and what may be causing any difficulty in vocal production. A weak or breathy voice may, in part, be aided by speech-language therapy, in which the therapist assists the patient in exercises intended to improve vocal function and strengthen the overall quality of the voice. The speech-language pathologist will also offer counseling for improving vocal hygiene to help reduce the effects of LPR on the voice. In addition to seeking voice therapy from a speech pathologist, a person suffering from LPR should also seek help from their doctor in reducing the reflux itself.
For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com
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