Voice Disorders

What is a voice disorder?

A voice disorder affects the way someone’s voice sounds. It may be related to their loudness, voice quality, pitch or breathing.

How do I know if my child has a voice disorder?

Some examples of voice disorders can be identified by a “breathy” voice, “strangled voice”, higher than expected pitch, a voice that is too soft, or a voice that sounds “nasally”. These features must be present a majority of the time a person is speaking to be considered a “disorder”. Most people have days where their voice is “nasally”, “breathy”, or “strained” related to a cold or maybe talking too much the day before. These are not considered voice disorders because they will resolve without therapy.

How does therapy work to treat a voice disorder?

The therapist will perform tests to determine the areas that need to be worked on in therapy, and several “voice exercises” will be utilized to encourage a more natural voice. Lots of practice and some changes to the person’s lifestyle may also be recommended to maintain a normal voice.