Blog: Speech Therapy Tips, Voice Care, & Gender-Affirming Voice Insights

If your inhaler does not relieve sudden throat tightness, noisy inhalation, or difficulty breathing in, the problem may be vocal cord dysfunction or EILO rather than—or in addition to—asthma. Learn how these conditions are diagnosed and how specialized speech therapy can help.

One of the first questions prospective clients ask us is: "How long will therapy take?" It's a great question—and one we wish had a simple answer. The honest answer is: It depends. Some clients achieve their goals in just a handful of sessions. Others continue therapy for several months or longer. Every treatment plan is individualized because every person's goals, starting point, and communication needs are unique. There Isn't a "Typical" Number of Sessions People are often

If you're considering speech therapy or gender-affirming voice therapy, one of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I schedule the free consultation first, or should I go straight to an evaluation?" The answer depends on where you are in your decision-making process—and there's no pressure either way. Some people already know they're ready to begin therapy. Others simply want the opportunity to meet a clinician and ask a few questions before getting started. Here's h

Have you ever caught yourself thinking: "My voice just doesn't sound right." Maybe it feels rough or quiet. Maybe it gets tired easily. Maybe speaking feels like more work than it used to. Perhaps people keep asking if you're sick when you're not, or you've noticed that singing has become more difficult. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. One of the most common things we hear from new clients is: "I know something is wrong with my voice, but I don't know what it is."

For many people, finding a speaking voice that feels authentic can be life-changing. But for singers, performers, and musical people, that often is not the end of the journey. One common thing we hear is:“My speaking voice feels more like me now… but my singing voice still doesn’t.” That disconnect can feel frustrating, emotional, and surprisingly isolating — especially for people who love music, perform professionally, sing recreationally, or simply want to feel comfortable

When most people picture voice therapy, they imagine driving to a medical office, sitting in a waiting room, and completing vocal exercises in a sterile clinic environment under fluorescent lights. But for many of the people we work with at Blue Ridge Speech & Voice, telehealth has actually made therapy feel more natural, more effective, and far less intimidating. Yes — Research Supports Telehealth Speech and Voice Therapy One of the biggest questions people ask is whether on

If you’ve noticed your voice doesn’t sound like it used to—maybe it’s weaker, shakier, hoarse, or harder to project—you’re not imagining things. This is a real and common condition called presbyphonia, or age-related voice changes. And despite how many people experience it, it’s still one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare. Let’s talk about what’s actually happening—and more importantly, what you can do about it. What Is Presbyphonia? Presbyphonia refers to changes in

For professional voice users, vocal surgery can feel devastating — not just physically, but emotionally and financially. One of the hardest parts of recovery is hearing this: “Your singing voice may take several months to fully return.” While the vocal folds may appear healed within weeks, true performance-level recovery often takes significantly longer. For singers, 3-5 months is not unusual. Sometimes more. Why? Because recovery is not just about tissue healing. It’s about

Singing is both an art and a physical skill. Whether you’re performing eight shows a week, preparing for an audition, or singing simply because you love it, your voice needs strong technique, expressive freedom, and long-term sustainability to truly thrive. At Blue Ridge Speech & Voice, our singing lessons are designed to support the whole singer. We combine performance-based training with evidence-informed vocal care to help singers build voices that are not only expressive,

If you’ve ever felt persistent tightness in your throat or noticed your voice becoming hoarse and fatigued—even when you haven’t been sick—you may have experienced Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD). This common voice disorder affects people of all ages and professions, from teachers and singers to anyone who relies on their voice every day. What Is Muscle Tension Dysphonia? Muscle Tension Dysphonia occurs when the muscles around the larynx (voice box) become overactive during sp

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, you may have noticed changes in voice and speech — softer volume, mumbling, or difficulty being understood. One of the most researched and effective treatments for these challenges is LSVT LOUD. So, what is LSVT LOUD — and how can it help? What Is LSVT LOUD? LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment LOUD) is an evidence-based speech therapy program specifically designed to address the voice and speech difficulties common in Parkin

Are you looking to unlock the full potential of your voice? At Blue Ridge Speech and Voice, we are passionate about helping individuals like you achieve optimal vocal health and communication. In today's blog post, we invite you to explore the fascinating world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, commonly known as "straw exercises," and discover how they can revolutionize your voice therapy journey. Whether you are a professional voice user or simply seeking to improve yo

Most adults experience a hoarse voice at some point in our lives. If you've ever experienced a hoarse voice, you know how frustrating and limiting it can be. Fortunately, speech therapy can offer a solution to this common issue. At Blue Ridge Speech and Voice, we specialize in helping adults regain their vocal clarity and confidence. Read on to learn how speech therapy can effectively address hoarseness and restore your voice to its full potential. Understanding Hoarseness: