Assessment and Treatment of Voice Disorders

Voice difficulties affect more than just sound. They can impact confidence, work and connection. Therapy focuses on understanding what’s contributing and supporting a return to voice use that feels comfortable and reliable.

This service may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• voice change, loss or fatigue
• discomfort, strain or effort when speaking or singing
• a voice that breaks, gives out or feels unreliable
• changes following illness, surgery or neurological event
• age-related voice changes

Conditions supported include muscle tension dysphonia, nodules, cysts, polyps, paresis or paralysis, and pre and post-operative care. Gender-affirming voice goals are also supported. Evaluation by a laryngologist or voice-specialising ENT is recommended.

Singing Voice Therapy and Rehabilitation

Singing voice therapy supports singers navigating injury, fatigue, illness or something that just doesn’t seem right. Therapy bridges clinical voice care and functional singing, so progress translates into rehearsals, performances, recording and teaching.

This service may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• voice loss, instability or reduced stamina
• reduced range, flexibility or control
• pain, effort or tightness while singing
• changes following illness, surgery or injury

Evaluation by a laryngologist or voice-specialising ENT is recommended.

Assessment and Treatment of Breathing Pattern and Upper Airway Disorders

Breathing and upper airway difficulties can be disruptive and hard to explain. Therapy focuses on understanding what’s driving your symptoms and supporting breathing that feels easy and effortless.

This service may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• difficulty getting a full or satisfying breath
• throat tightness or noisy, effortful breathing
• a persistent cough or frequent throat clearing
• breathing that feels out of rhythm or hard to control
• symptoms that have been investigated but not fully explained

Conditions supported include breathing pattern disorder, chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal cord dysfunction). Evaluation by a laryngologist, ENT or respiratory physician is recommended where appropriate.

Assessment and Treatment of Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can affect safety, comfort and the simple pleasure of eating and drinking. Assessment and support are offered for adults experiencing a range of swallowing concerns, with a focus on quality of life around mealtimes.

This service may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• coughing, choking or discomfort when eating or drinking
• a sensation of food or liquid sticking in the throat
• changes following illness, surgery or neurological changes
• age-related changes to swallowing
• concerns about mealtimes raised by yourself, family or your care team

Assessment includes a detailed case history and clinical bedside evaluation. Where appropriate, mealtime strategies, diet consistency modifications and education are provided for individuals and their families or carers.

Review by an ENT is recommended as part of collaborative care. If symptoms cannot be fully managed through clinical assessment alone, referral for further instrumental evaluation may be recommended.

Preventative Voice Care and Vocal Health Check-Ups

Preventative sessions are available for singers and professional voice users who want to maintain vocal health and manage load before problems arise. These sessions focus on vocal efficiency, recovery, early signs of strain, and strategies to support long-term voice use, particularly during high-demand periods.

Singing Lessons and Vocal Coaching (Non-Clinical)

Non-clinical singing lessons and vocal coaching are offered for singers seeking support with technique, artistry and sustainable voice use, grounded in healthy vocal principles and informed by clinical understanding of how the voice works.

This service may be helpful if you are looking for support with:

• vocal technique and building a reliable, efficient voice
• artistry, expression and finding your own sound
• audition preparation andperformance readiness
• navigating repertoire and stylistic demands
• maintaining vocal health across training and performance

These sessions suit singers who want thoughtful, informed guidance — whether you are just starting out, returning to singing or looking to develop further.

Voice Gym – Vocal Strength and Longevity Program

Just like the rest of the body, the voice can lose strength and clarity over time. Voice Gym is a small-group weekly session for people aged 65 and over who want to keep their voice strong, clear and confident in everyday life.

Sessions are relaxed and welcoming, including evidence-based voice strengthening exercises, simple calling activities and light shared sound. No singing experience needed. Seated and accessible.

Sessions run every Friday, 1:30–2:30pm at Little BIG House, Summer Hill.

• Casual rate: $15
• Six-week pass: $85

Casual bookings and drop-ins welcome. Book via the Voice Gym Humanitix page.

Interested in bringing Voice Gym to your independent living community or retirement village? Maddy would love to hear from you.

Vocal Health Education and Workshops

Education sessions and workshops are available for choirs, community groups, organisations, and workplaces. These sessions translate voice science into practical strategies for vocal health, performance, and sustainable voice use. Sessions can be tailored for choral groups, performers, or professional voice users.

Mentoring and Professional Support

Mentoring and supervision are available for early-career speech pathologists and voice professionals seeking to deepen their skills in evidence-based voice care. Collaborative sessions and case discussions with ENTs, speech pathologists, and singing teachers can also be arranged when helpful.

Performance-Focused Group Training and Corporate Voice Care

Group training and voice education sessions are available for performers, presenters, and corporate teams who rely on their voice at work. Sessions focus on efficient voice use, managing vocal fatigue, improving confidence, and supporting sustainable performance in professional settings.