Voice

What is a Voice Disorder?

Any deviation in pitch, intensity, resonance or quality that renders a person's voice "abnormal" to the listener. A voice disorder may be secondary to a number of underlying causes including overuse, neurological disorders, trauma, surgery, cancer, viral and bacterial conditions and psychological difficulties.

How often do they occur?

Adults: 3-9% of the population

Children: 3-6% of population

What are the signs of a Voice Disorder?

*Hoarseness

*Vocal fatigue

*Breathy voice quality

*Change in pitch range of the voice

*Excessive coughing

*Excessive throat clearing

*Change in voice after a cold or flu

Prevention of Voice Disorders - Also known as “vocal hygiene”

*Vocal abuse:

-Stop yelling, shouting, or screaming. Instead use a whistle or clap your hands.

-Avoid lengthy conversations (at work, at home, or on the phone).

-Don’t speak excessively; choose your words carefully!

-In excessive background noise, minimize talking and if you must talk, get close to that person and face them.

*Hydration:

-Water lubricates your vocal folds, which increases their ability to perform to their highest potential.

-Drink until your urine is pale.

-Avoid all drinks that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) because caffeine leads to dehydration.

*Throat clearing

-Why are you clearing your throat? Dehydration? Excessive mucus? Reflux?

-Avoid throat clearing that causes the vocal folds to touch because it is traumatic and leads to significant wear.

-It is better to cough lightly once than clear your throat multiple times.

*SEE BELOW for more helpful tips