Efficacy of a Computer-Assisted Voice Treatment Protocol

Abstract

A voice treatment protocol using a computer-assisted biofeedback device for hyper-functional voice disorders was evaluated in two adults. The specific components of the treatment were assessed using a single-subject interaction design. The overall contribution of relaxation to the treatment package was also evaluated. The treatment package was effective in improving the voice, as demonstrated by elimination of the vocal nodules, subjective data (ratings of the voice by subjects and naive listeners), and objective data (changes in fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, perturbation factor percentages, breathing errors, and slow rise in volume). It appeared that the effect of the combined relaxation and traditional voice protocol was cumulative in nature, and addition of therelaxation component was no more effective than the protocol without the relaxation component.