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Voice Disorders: relates to how vocal quality and/or resonance (nasal/hyponasal) is perceived to be different compared to other children. This may impact a child's ability to be heard and communicate effectively in the classroom.
Within therapy, children are taught about healthy use and misuse of their voice. Exercises to achieve an appropriate voice are practiced, and progress up a hierarchy (e.g., words, phrases, sentences, and conversation).
Discussing concerns related to your child's overall vocal quality with their pediatrician is recommended prior to initiating therapy to determine the need for a consult with an ENT. A physician will work to determine if there is an underlying medical cause (e.g., vocal nodules), contributing factors (e.g., allergies, reflux, second hand smoke, asthma), and potential medical management.
Vocal misuse may include the following:
- Excessive volume/vocal intensity
- Excessive talking
- Throat clearing and/or coughing
- Excessive crying
- Speaking loudly/yelling frequently
- Excessive Singing, yodeling
- Making sound effects
- Excessive whispering
Healthy vocal habits include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking water
- Replacing tense vocal productions with forward resonant focus
- Swallowing instead of throat clearing
- Breathing through belly/abdomen-diaphragm
- Vocal rest
- Identify and reduce situations that may lead to vocally abusive behaviors (e.g., conflict with peers, over competitive behaviors)
- Scale problems (big, medium, little), problem solving solutions, and appropriate emotional response
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