Voice Disorders

At Expressable, we support people living with vocal damage or other voice disorders by helping them speak more clearly, confidently, and comfortably. Our online voice therapy program is tailored to each person’s needs, whether the goal is returning to work, participating in social events, or simply being heard by friends and family.

Voice disorders occur when something affects the way the vocal cords (also called vocal folds) function, making it difficult to speak clearly or use your voice without strain. These conditions can change the pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice. Some people may sound hoarse, breathy, or strained. Others may lose their voice altogether.

There are many types of voice disorders, and each one affects the vocal cords differently. For example:

• Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that causes the vocal cords to spasm, making the voice sound tight, shaky, or interrupted.

• Vocal nodules and polyps are growths on the vocal cords often caused by overuse or vocal strain, leading to hoarseness or a scratchy voice.

• Vocal fold paralysis can occur when one or both vocal cords can’t move properly, resulting in a weak or breathy voice and difficulty swallowing.

• Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) causes the vocal cords to close when they should be open, often leading to breathing difficulties that may be mistaken for asthma.

• Chronic coughing and laryngitis can also irritate or damage the vocal cords over time.

Voice disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, nerve injury, vocal overuse, or chronic conditions. Regardless of the cause, voice therapy can often improve vocal quality, reduce strain, and help people use their voice more effectively.

With the right techniques, tools, and consistent practice, many people with vocal cord damage can strengthen their voice and communicate with greater ease. In this guide, you’ll learn how Expressable evaluates and treats voice disorders, and how we empower our clients to speak with strength, clarity, and confidence. You can also view our complete guide to voice disorders to learn more about types of vocal problems, what causes them, and tips for keeping your voice healthy.

1Why is speech therapy important for voice disorders? 2How Expressable treats voice disorders 3Practice voice exercises at home with the Expressable portal 4The benefits of online speech therapy for voice disorders 5See what clients are saying about our voice therapists 6Get matched with a voice therapist today

Why is speech therapy important for voice disorders?

Voice disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. When it’s hard to speak clearly or comfortably, everyday conversations can become exhausting or discouraging. You may find it difficult to participate in work meetings, connect with friends and family, or feel confident speaking in public. These challenges can affect not only your communication, but also your confidence, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

That’s why treating voice disorders through specialized speech therapy is so important. At Expressable, our voice therapy program is designed to:

• Improve quality of life by helping you speak with more ease, clarity, and confidence in the situations that matter most

• Use evidence-based techniques tailored to your diagnosis and goals, based on the latest research in voice therapy

• Empower clients and families through education, vocal hygiene tips, and strategies to reduce strain and support healthier voice use

• Involve caregivers or communication partners so they can offer encouragement and help reinforce practice outside of therapy sessions

With the right tools and consistent support, many people with voice disorders are able to heal and strengthen their voice, reduce symptoms, and communicate more easily every day.

How Expressable treats voice disorders

At Expressable, we connect each client with a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in evaluating and treating voice disorders. All therapy is provided online through secure, live video sessions.

Research supports the effectiveness of virtual speech therapy for treating voice disorders. Online sessions offer greater access to specialists. There’s no need for travel. Plus, therapy from home makes it easier for caregivers and family members to participate in sessions, which is an important part of progress and support.

In every session, your speech therapist will guide you through personalized techniques to improve your voice quality and reduce strain. Afterward, you’ll receive easy-to-follow home practice activities through your Expressable portal, making it simple to continue your progress in real-life situations.

Caregiver involvement is encouraged whenever possible. Whether it’s a spouse, family member, or friend, having someone join sessions can help reinforce vocal strategies, provide support, and build confidence outside of therapy.

Expressable’s clinical approach to evaluating voice disorders

Your speech therapy journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, daily voice use, and relevant medical history. Your speech therapist may also review reports from your ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), if available.

During the evaluation, your therapist may assess:

• Voice quality, pitch, and loudness

• Breath support and vocal endurance

• Speaking habits and vocal hygiene

• Common measures like the s/z ratio, maximum phonation time (MPT), and perceptual voice assessments such as the CAPE-V or GRBAS Scale

• Client-reported outcome measures like the Voice Handicap Index (VHI)

This evaluation helps your therapist understand how your voice disorder is impacting your life, so they can develop a personalized care plan just for you.

Most clients attend two sessions per week, but this may vary depending on your needs and availability. Your therapist will adjust your plan as you make progress, ensuring support every step of the way.

Evidence-based strategies to treat voice disorders 

At Expressable, voice therapy is tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and communication goals. Your therapist may use a combination of restorative exercises to improve vocal function and compensatory strategies to protect your voice and reduce symptoms.

Some of the evidence-based voice techniques we use include:

• Vocal health and hygiene: Learn how to care for your voice and reduce harmful habits

• Diaphragmatic breathing and airflow strategies: Support more efficient and relaxed voice use

• Resonant voice therapy: Increase buzzy, forward-focused resonance for clearer sound

• Vocal function exercises: Improve vocal strength and endurance

• Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises: Examples include straw phonation, cup bubbles, and lip trills

• Strategies to reduce laryngeal tension and promote relaxed voicing

• Pacing and pausing techniques to improve control and decrease strain

• Education on voice physiology and managing triggers like acid reflux or allergies

At Expressable, voice therapy is practical and goal-oriented. Your therapist will help you use your new voice techniques in real-world scenarios like phone calls, work presentations, social events, or conversations at home. You’ll also receive guidance on how to modify your environment or daily routine to support long-term vocal health.

Because therapy is online, it’s easier for family members or communication partners to join sessions. When caregivers understand your strategies, they can offer encouragement, help monitor changes to your voice, and contribute to your communication success.

Practice voice exercises at home with the Expressable portal

At Expressable, speech therapy doesn’t stop when your session ends. You’ll have ongoing text messaging support so you can ask questions or get tips from your speech therapist between sessions. You’ll also have access to our client portal, which makes it easier to practice vocal strategies at home. The more often you practice, the faster you’ll make progress!

In the portal, you’ll find Learning Paths that explain and reinforce the vocal strategies that you're learning, such as adequate breathing patterns, healthy vocal hygiene, and specific voice exercises:

You can watch videos where our experts demonstrate techniques for efficient voice production, such as exercises for certain speaking patterns or vocal function:

Your speech therapist will assign easy ways to practice voice strategies during your everyday routines and social interactions:

The benefits of online speech therapy for voice disorders

Online speech therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person care for treating voice disorders. In fact, many people find that virtual sessions offer greater flexibility, comfort, and access to specialists who truly understand voice. Here’s why online voice therapy works so well:

1 Access to voice specialists

Voice disorders require a unique set of skills and expertise to diagnose and treat. With online speech therapy, you’re not limited to providers in your area. Expressable connects you with licensed speech-language pathologists who have specialized training in voice care, including vocal hygiene, resonance techniques, and breath support. This broader access is especially valuable if you live in an area without voice therapy services nearby.

2 Convenient and flexible scheduling

Voice issues can affect every part of life—your job, relationships, and self-confidence. Online therapy fits easily into your routine, so you can prioritize your voice health without rearranging your entire day. Whether you're a teacher needing early morning sessions or a parent preferring evenings, we work around your schedule. And because there's no commuting involved, you save time and energy.

3 Comfortable therapy from home

Working on your voice can feel vulnerable, especially in a new environment. Online therapy allows you to practice in a familiar, comfortable space where you're more relaxed. This can help reduce tension and lead to more natural voice use. Plus, your therapist can tailor exercises to your real-life communication needs, whether it’s speaking on the phone, joining work meetings, or talking with family.

4 Involvement of family or communication partners

For many people, improving their voice isn’t just about talking–it’s about being heard and understood in everyday interactions. That’s why involving loved ones in therapy can be so helpful. Online sessions make it easier for spouses, friends, or family members to attend and learn strategies to support you at home.

5 Affordable, high-quality care

Because online therapy avoids the overhead costs of traditional clinics, it can be a more affordable option without compromising on quality. You’ll still receive expert, evidence-based care from a licensed speech therapist, personalized to your diagnosis and goals.

See what clients are saying about our voice therapists

We’ve treated hundreds of individuals with voice disorders around the country. Our speech therapists consistently earn average ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars from their clients. Here’s just a sampling:

“Exercises make my voice stronger” “Alethea always gives me new info at every session, and the exercises seem to make my voice stronger. She really seems to care about my improvement.”

“The best voice counselor I’ve ever had” “Heather is fantastic. I’ve had many voice counselors and she is by far and away the best I’ve ever had. She explains concepts and tips clearly, is well prepared, organized, and keeps me motivated to practice in between our sessions.”

“Would highly recommend” “Great experience! I’ve learned so many methods on how to control my voice and how to think. Would highly recommend.”

“Excellent vocal coach” “Jessica always gives helpful exercises that get my voice closer to where I need it to be.  She is very knowledgeable and an excellent vocal coach.”

“Brings out the best in my voice” “Heather is an excellent voice coach and always helps me bring out the best in my voice.”

Get matched with a voice therapist today

Struggling with hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or voice strain? Speech therapy can help you build healthy habits, heal and strengthen your voice, and feel more confident when speaking. Find the right speech therapist for your needs here.