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