Voice Care Team
The voice care team members for singers include: laryngologist, speech pathologist, singing voice specialist, and singing teachers – in some genres this is synonymous with vocal coach. There are many similarities and differences between a voice teacher, singing voice specialist, and speech language pathologist – at times, they may all be the same person! These specialists are important members of your voice care team. I’m going to try to break these down for you to make it easier to determine what kind of specialist will be best for you. Before you see a voice clinician though, you should see an ENT.
ENT physicians
Let’s first start with the doctor you would want to see before starting any kind of voice therapy. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist – also known as an otorhinolaryngologist – is a doctor who specializes in the ears, nose, and throat. Some ENTs are generalists; however, within the specialty of ENT, there are sub-specialties. Otologists are interested in the ears. Rhinologists are interested in the nose and nasal passages – they also sometimes work closely with neurosurgeons for certain types of tumors. Head and neck cancer specialists are interested in the resection of head and neck tumors. Laryngologists are interested in the larynx and vocal tract. If you’re a singer or professional voice user, it is a good idea to make sure you see a laryngologist.
If you’re a singer or professional voice user, it is a good idea to make sure you see a laryngologist.
Typically, laryngologists have more specialized equipment to assess the larynx and more training in laryngeal surgeries – should you ever need one. Laryngologists are also usually more familiar with which kind of therapy specialist you should see for voice disorders, and should know a few in the region in which they practice.
Speech-Language Pathologists
A speech-language pathologist is a licensed medical professional who has attained at least a Master’s degree and who treats all kinds of disorders relating to speech, language, swallowing, voice, alternative augmentative communication, and aural rehabilitation. They see patients across the lifespan. Most speech pathologists specialize in either pediatric or adult therapy. Many further specialize in sub-specialties such as neurogenic speech and language disorders, pragmatic language disorders, swallowing disorders, and voice disorders. Specialization in a sub-specialty usually requires additional continuing education in that topic. The purpose of seeing a speech pathologist is either for rehabilitation (adults) or habilitation (children with developmental disorders). For patients with voice complaints, it is ideal to see a speech pathologist who has completed at least some continuing education in voice disorders and treatment. The best option would be to seek out someone who specializes in voice and upper airway disorders.
Singing Voice Specialist Designation
A singing voice specialist is a valuable member of the voice care team. They bridge the gap between a voice teacher and a general speech pathologist. A singing voice specialist may be a speech pathologist, but could also be a singing voice teacher who has taken additional coursework regarding working with singers/speakers who have laryngeal pathology. The title of singing voice specialist requires no specific certification. Many speech pathologists across the country are also singing voice specialists.
Voice Teachers
A voice teacher is a person who teaches singers how to sing (e.g., vocal technique, interpretation, and musicality). They come from many different backgrounds depending on the genre of music. There is no licensing body for voice teachers.
You!!!
You are the most important member of your voice care team! Your thoughts, values, and input are top priority in your care. Always speak up for yourself when working with any other member of your voice care team. In the end, it’s your voice, and you get to decide who you work with and on what terms.
The bottom line
I’d highly encourage all professional voice users to first find a laryngologist. You can be seen for a vocal fold check and establish with the physician even if you’re currently vocally healthy. This way, you can easily get an appointment if/when you DO have a problem. If benign pathology is discovered despite a normal singing voice, then we know that pathology is not likely the cause of future voice problems. If you’re having problems, the laryngologist should be able to refer you to a singing voice specialist and/or a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP can work with you to reduce your symptoms and attempt to avoid surgical intervention. The speech pathologist/singing voice specialist can work closely with your current voice teacher to make sure you continue to use the best vocal technique for your voice upon discharge from therapy and improve your chances of a happy and healthy singing career.
Finding Voice Care Team Members for Singers
There are several options to find your voice care team. The best option is to seek care from a voice center. There are voice centers throughout the United States. The University of Iowa has a list of voice teams. Please recognize that this list is not exhaustive. It is updated when providers alert the list maker. Another option is to find a fellowship-trained laryngologist, and ask them for referrals to speech pathologists and other voice specialists they trust.
Recap
Find a Laryngologist (a special type of ENT)
Get a referral for therapy, if needed, with a voice-specialized Speech Language Pathologist and/or a Singing Voice Specialist
Continue to work with your entire voice team – including your voice teacher – to achieve your voice goals and maintain optimal voice use throughout your career.
Want to learn more about singing voice wellness to reduce the likelihood you’ll need voice therapy? Then, you should check out my vocal wellness course!
What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments if you need something cleared up!