our services
Offering in-person in Fort Gratiot and via telepractice for the state of Michigan.
Voice Therapy
What is voice therapy?
Voice therapy is a series of sessions with a voice-specialist, usually a speech-language pathologist who is specially trained in voice disorders, where you learn and practice exercises to improve your voice. You and your therapist will work to develop a program that meets your specific vocal needs and communication goals. Sessions are usually between 30-45 minutes, occur weekly or biweekly, and last for anywhere between 4-12 sessions, depending on your needs and goals.
Who needs voice therapy?
People whose voices are not meeting their daily needs. Some examples include those with frequent hoarseness by the end of the day or after typical vocal activities, vocal fatigue, difficulty being heard by others or over background noise, cracks or breaks in the voice, or overall inconsistency. Basically, if the function or quality of your voice is making it difficult to communicate at work or at home, then it is not meeting your daily needs.
People who are recovering from a vocal injury or surgery. Vocal injuries can take many forms, from the lumps and bumps that occur with misuse or overuse, to breathing tube injuries, motor vehicle accident trauma, or even sports injuries. Sometimes surgery is necessary to help an injury to heal, or to help improve the sound or function of the voice. Whatever the cause, therapy is an integral part in allowing the voice to heal and return to optimal quality and function.
People who have chronic irritation to the voice box area. Chronic irritation could be from reflux, allergies or sensitivities, exposure to an environmental irritant, dryness, or repeated trauma from chronic cough, throat clearing, even muscle tension or “bad vocal habits.” Therapy can be helpful in breaking that vicious cycle and returning your voice box to a balanced state.
How do I get started with voice therapy?
Visit your Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) doctor. This is important because a doctor must rule out or address any medical issues you may have with your voice before starting therapy, and because a medical examination will give your therapist very useful information on how best to treat you.
Have your doctor fax a referral to (866) 385-3244. A referral form is available here.
Still have questions? Call us at (810) 207-1206.
Do you take my insurance?
Blue Water Voice LLC currently accepts Medicare (including Part B, BCBS and Humana Advantage plans), BCBS/BCN, and McLaren Health Plans. Superbills are offered for those who would like to submit to their insurance company for out of network reimbursement. Call to ask about our discounted private pay rates!
Swallowing Therapy
What is swallowing therapy?
Swallowing therapy is a series of sessions with a speech-language pathologist who is specially trained in disorders that affect your body’s ability to swallow. Patients learn techniques and exercises that help to make swallowing safer and easier for them.
Who needs swallowing therapy?
People who have had a serious medical event or a chronic condition that affects their ability to swallow. Common examples include surgery or radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, strokes and other neurological disorders, and even chronic tension in the muscles of the throat. Swallowing therapy patients may need help recovering their ability to swallow, or learning how to adjust to their “new normal.”
How do I get started with swallowing therapy?
Visit your doctor. If you notice a change in your ability to swallow, whether it is new or just seems to be getting worse, make an appointment with your doctor. This could be your primary care physician or an Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor (ENT).
Will I need a special swallowing test?
Your doctor may order a special test to evaluate your swallow. A videofluoroscopic swallow study (sometimes called a modified barium swallow study) is performed by a speech pathologist in a hospital, and is like a “live-action x-ray” of your swallow. An endoscopic swallowing test is performed by a speech pathologist in a clinic or hospital, and involves a tiny camera (through your nose) watching you swallow from inside your throat. Both of these tests evaluate how your swallowing muscles are working, and will give your doctor and your swallowing therapist the information they need to create the best treatment plan.
Voice Lessons/Training
Singing
Serving ages preteen-adult, beginner to professional level study. Voice lessons include training in vocal technique/pedagogy, repertoire in the classical, contemporary, jazz, and musical theater styles, musicianship, and performance. Supporting performers in amateur and professional theater, competitions/adjudications, college entrance preparation, contemporary/commercial singing, choral solos, and those who just love to sing and want to explore where their voices can go.
Speaking
Who needs it?
People who rely on their voices for their professions. Teachers, lecturers/orators, aerobics instructors, telemarketers, and health care professionals are just a few common examples. If the quality, function, and longevity of your voice is important to your professional life, learning how to use your instrument properly is vital. Don’t let your career be derailed by a future voice disorder.
People who want to improve the sound of their voice. Whether you want to sound more professional, confident, expressive, older, younger, more feminine or masculine, voice training is not just for singers. You might be surprised by the quality and power your voice is capable of, and how it can boost your communication skills.
What will speaking training do for me?
Hone the quality of your voice. No one else has your voice. Training will bring out the unique qualities that are you with exercises that enhance your resonance, flexibility, and power.
Protect the longevity of your voice. Training will teach you the skills you need to maximize your vocal endurance and prevent injury.
Increase your professional (and personal!) communication skills. A voice that is clear, strong, and dynamic exudes confidence and engages the listener. Apply your skills in the classroom, boardroom, on stage, or at social gatherings.
Flute Lessons
Serving students of all ages, beginner to pre-professional levels. Lessons include flute technique, a range of repertoire genres, musicianship and performance skills.
Call 1 (810) 207-1206 to schedule an appointment