Objective: This presentation will highlight the concept of applying auditory-perceptual prompts (implicit instruction) typically used in voice therapy to anatomy and physiology of the voice production system (explicit instruction) via the Estill Voice Model (EVM) and the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS).
Methods: EVM offers an integrated implicit-explicit instructional approach to voice training, allowing for isolated practice of vocal structures (explicit) that interact to produce functional voice qualities (implicit) such as modal speech and louder projected voice qualities (e.g., twang). In EVM, voice quality is correlated with the specific anatomy and physiologic adjustments via 13 Estill Figures and Options (e.g., Larynx Figure has three Options: High, Mid, and Low). RTSS provides a framework to connect client change in functioning (i.e., target) with clinician action (i.e., ingredients). Mechanisms of action connect the target to the ingredients by hypothesizing how the treatment is expected to work.
Results: Evidence is provided for connecting auditory-perpetual voice prompts with anatomy and physiology of voice and supporting an integrated implicit-explicit approach to voice therapy. The concept of linking commonly used implicit auditory-perceptual prompts used in voice therapy (e.g., humming, loud “aahh”) to explicit anatomy and physiology training (e.g., 13 Estill Figures and Options) is demonstrated using EVM and the RTSS framework in clinical scenarios.
Conclusions: Clinicians may use anatomy and physiology-based instructions to make common auditory-perceptual prompts more accessible and specific for clients.