With normal voice production, the lungs push air between the vocal cords causing them to vibrate. In order for vibration to occur, enough air pressure must also develop below the vocal cords. Known as subglottic pressure, there needs to be a match between this pressure and how tightly the vocal cords are positioned together. Vocal problems and fatigue occur when there is a mismatch or imbalance between the subglottic pressure and the vocal cords which are closed together against this pressure.

Vocalization through a thin straw puts the vocal folds in the most optimum position and shape for vibration. Known as semioccluded vocal tract (SOVT), this is accomplished by creating pressure above the vocal cords to partially negate the pressure from below.

As such, voicing becomes easier with the better position and shape of the vocal folds, especially to help start a clear easy sound whether the vocal cords are too stiff or too tight from muscle tension dysphonia, or whether they are swollen due to inflammation. Furthermore, a strong clear voice can be sustained for longer periods of time without fatigue.

A regular drinking straw can be used at first, but as one gets proficient in these exercises, the goal is to use a 34mm diameter straw that is 5 inches long. These straw exercises should be performed several times a day for about 5 minutes.

Intro (0:00)
What Straw Size? (0:59)
#1: Continuous Single Pitch (1:30)
#1 Variation: With Bubbles (2:08)
#2: Single Pitch Pauses (2:25)
#2 Variation: With Bubbles (2:40)
#3: Single Pitch Pulsations (2:57)
#4: Pitch Glides (3:14)
#5: Pitch Glide Pulsations (3:35)
#6: Scales (3:45)
#7: Sing a Song (3:55)
Other Tips (4:19)

Reusable Straws Made for Straw Exercises:
• Oovo Straw: https://amzn.to/3IYDxAj
• DoctorVox: https://amzn.to/3IY5iZA
• Sing Ring (Variable Resistance Straw): https://oovostraw.com/product/singring
• Singing Straw: https://www.singingstraw.com
• Resono Straw: https://www.rayvox.co.uk

Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
https://www.FauquierENT.net

Patient Actor
Janine Collins: https://www.janinecollins.com

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#sovt #strawexercises #dysphonia #muscletensiondysphonia #voicetherapy