PUSHING EXERCISE PROGRAM TO CORRECT GLOTTAL INCOMPETENCE

A voice therapy program using pushing exercises to correct glottal inc ompetence is described. The program utilizes various types of instrume ntation to determine whether or not a given patient is likely to benef it from the treatment. The program also provides feedback of target vo ices. Three cases with incomplete glottal closure and subsequent vocal dysphonia characterized by an asthenic breathy quality are used to il lustrate the program. Details of the program, termination criteria, an d problems and precautions learned from treating 29 patients over a 3- year period are presented.