Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

Which treatment option is best suited for a patient with essential tremor of the voice to improve communication effectiveness?

1. Elevating pitch and shortening phrase length

2. Lowering pitch and semi-occluded vocal tract tasks

3. Resonant voice therapy and shortening vowel durations

4. Elevating pitch and optimizing breath groups

The correct answer is: Elevating pitch and shortening phrase length

For a patient with essential tremor of the voice, the treatment option that focuses on elevating pitch and shortening phrase length is beneficial because it can help improve vocal stability and control. Elevating the pitch can often reduce the perceptibility of tremor, making the voice sound less shaky. Shortening phrase length helps mitigate the physical demand placed on the vocal cords and allows for greater control during speech, which can lead to clearer and more effective communication. While enhancing pitch may distract from the tremor, the shorter phrases encourage the speaker to use smaller breath groups, which can make it easier to maintain voice quality and reduce strain. This combination addresses the specific challenges faced by individuals with essential tremor while facilitating clearer articulation and improved communication. In contrast, the other options may not be as effective in directly targeting the issues posed by essential tremor. Lowering pitch, for example, might not address the stability needed for clearer speech and could potentially amplify vocal tremors instead of reducing them. Resonant voice therapy may focus more on projection and resonance rather than the specific needs of vocal tremor. The focus on breath groups in elevating pitch could be beneficial, but the selected answer specifically provides a more comprehensive approach tailored for this condition.