Marketta Sihvo 1 , Ilter Denizoglu 2

1 Tampere University, Phoniatric Department, Tampere

2 Alsancak State Hospital, ENT- Voice Clinic, Izmir

The aim of voice therapy is to find the best way to produce voice within the patient's anatomic and physiologic capabilities. Among numerous methods, Sihvo's Lax Vox Method with the combination of a silicone tube and water resistance works as an easy tool for healing the voice production apparatus and improving its function.

The procedure automatically balances the functions included in voice production. It also gives biofeedback and creates holistic cognition of the vocalizing process. The main physiologic mechanism of the LaxVox Voice Therapy Technique is  altering the vocal tract inertance due to positive supraglottal pressure and artificial elongation of the vocal tract. The 'domino effect' goes with lowering the larynx and proper abdominodiaphragmatic respiration.

The LaxVox Voice Therapy Technique suits all speakers and singers desiring to learn vocal ergonomics and voice care. It is a useful therapy for various functional and organic voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold nodules, habitual and psychogenic dysphonia or aphonia, unilateral vocal fold paralysis, and presbyphonia. It is also an effective method for pre- and post-operative voice therapy.

The training programme will be presented in  three interactive sessions:

Part I. Philosophy of Voice Therapy and Lax Vox-theoretical descriptions

Part II. Technical description of Lax Vox therapy and Lax Vox training (ie. ‘Laxvoxing’)

Part III. Troubleshooting, physiologic mechanisms, indications, case presentations

In the beginning of the training programme, a LaxVox silicone tube and a booklet which contains technical explanations of LaxVox Voice Therapy will be provided free to each participant. Live practice will be performed with the participants after the theoretical explanations so that they can experience the effects of this easy tool, and use it to trigger the healing process in any voice patient or voice trainer.

At the end of the trining programme, a Lax Vox Voice Therapy Certificate will be presented to each  participant.