Voice Disorders Center Resources

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Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Professional Voice Users

female singing

People who use their voice for a living are more at risk for developing voice problems.

Occupations that require significant voice use include:

  • Teaching
  • Singing
  • Acting
  • Sales
  • Telemarketing
  • Customer Service
  • Lawyers
  • Waiter/Waitresses
young adult basket ball team

Avocational Voice Use Recreational activities can also be vocally demanding, such as:

  • Singing
  • Acting
  • Coaching
  • Athletics
  • Sporting Events (e.g., yelling at the football game, etc.)
  • Public Speaking
  • Volunteer Work (that requires extended voice use)

Voice problems

  • Hoarseness or undesirable voice quality
  • Vocal fatigue (voice wears out or worsens with use)
  • Fluctuating voice quality
  • Reduced volume or pitch flexibility
  • Pain or soreness associated with voice use

Cause for concern?

Any sudden or severe voice changes should be evaluated immediately.
Gradual onset of hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or other symptoms of laryngitis that persist for longer than three weeks should be evaluated as well.


Increased Vocal Demands

  • Any profession that requires three or more hours of speaking or singing per day is considered to be vocally demanding.
  • Greater stress on the voice occurs when working in noisy environments such as construction sites, factories, or classrooms.
  • Speaking or singing for greater than one hour at a time is also considered to be extended voice use.
  • Even highly trained voice users (e.g., professional singers, actors) can develop voice problems, despite good vocal technique. 

Schedule an Appointment

801-587-8368

Location:
Surgical Specialty Center
 729 Arapeen Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT  84108		 Phone number:
801-587-8368 

Julia K Ellerston, M.A., B.A.

Specialties: Speech Pathology, Swallowing Disorders, Voice Disorders

Daniel R. Houtz, M.A., CCC-SLP

Specialties: Voice Disorders

Katherine Kendall, M.D., FACS

Locations
LDS Hospital (801) 408-4972
Redstone Health Center (435) 658-9262
Surgical Specialty Center (801) 587-8368

Specialties: General Otolaryngology ENT, Laryngeal Laser Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Swallowing Disorders, Voice Disorders

Nelson Roy, Ph.D., SLP

Locations
Surgical Specialty Center (801) 587-8368

Specialties: Voice Disorders

Marshall E. Smith, M.D., FACS

Locations
LDS Hospital (801) 408-4972
PCMC Outpatient Services at Riverton (801) 662-1740
Primary Children's Medical Center (801) 662-1740
Surgical Specialty Center (801) 587-8368
University Hospital (801) 587-8368

Specialties: Airway Disorders, Laryngeal Laser Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Vasculitis, Voice Disorders

Kristine M. Tanner, SLP

Locations
Surgical Specialty Center (801) 587-8368

Specialties: Voice Disorders