The Effects of Voice Therapy Based on the Estill Voice Model: a Feasibility Study

This study wants to investigate treatment for patients with common voice disorders where no surgical or medical treatment is needed. A voice disorder is when your voice is croaky, hoarse or when you lose it altogether. This can be a serious problem for people as it stops them from participating in their normal life (for example in their jobs, hobbies, family and wider social life).

This study will look at our most commonly used method of treatment for voice problems. This method is based on physical exercises which work on the muscles which produce the voice. This voice work was originally developed by Jo Estill, a singer and scientist, and is widely used in voice coaching. Though many Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) provide voice therapy based on the Estill model, there is no clinical evidence to support its use.

The aim of this study is to test the design for a larger research study into the effects of voice therapy based on Estill model of voice. We want to find out if our tests work and are easy to use, and to check that the study methods are right and would work on a larger scale. It is a feasibility study, and therefore allows us to test whether this study can be done. Another important part of this study is to involve patients in developing research. We want to find out what patients think about the treatment they receive, and about taking part in a study.

The way this study will work is that patients who have agreed to take part will have between four and six voice therapy appointments, just like they would if they were not part of the study. Voice test results from before and after treatment will be compared and carefully studied. After patients taking part in the study have finished their treatment, they will be asked about their experience of voice therapy, and of being in the study. Much of what will be done as part of the study is identical to what is normally done in treatment, however we will look in detail at all the tests, and we need permission from participants to use their test results and include their comments.

It is important to learn more about voice therapy and to improve voice therapy for patients with this type of voice problem. By finding out more what patients think about the treatment we provide, what tests to use, and about how best to run a research trial, we will be able to plan further research and hopefully be successful at a next large research grant application.