Voice

Voice disorders are apparent when a person’s pitch, loudness, and/or overall vocal quality are not appropriate for the person’s age, background, or gender. We use our voices daily for communication, so individuals with voice disorders often experience stress, anxiety, or general decline in mental health. It is important to seek treatment for your voice disorder to improve your vocal quality and maintain or improve your mental health. If needed, a referral can be made to psychology to provide mental health services alongside medical services for vocal quality from your speech therapist.

There are a myriad of types and causes of voice disorders. Some common causes of voice disorders are listed below:

  • Vocal nodules, cysts, or polyps

  • Acid reflux

  • Functional causes/ vocal overuse (frequently yelling, talking on the phone or over background noise, excessive throat clearing)

  • Anxiety/mental health disorders

  • Aging (age-related voice disorders are common)

  • Laryngitis

  • Vocal cord paralysis

The list above is not exhaustive. Your speech therapist will complete an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment. This can include involving a multidisciplinary team, providing you with an at-home vocal exercise program, helping you determine ways you may be harmfully using your voice, and more. You can expect to provide a thorough case history during your evaluation.

Vocal Hygiene Tips: (this is a list of suggestions to prevent and/or improve voice disorders)

  • Drink 8 glasses of water per day

  • Limit caffeine intake (caffeine is drying for the vocal folds)

  • Follow a recommended diet if you have acid reflux

  • Avoid vocal overuse (send an email or text instead of calling, take a shaker to sporting events instead of yelling, etc.)

  • Limit throat clearing (try taking a sip of water and using a hard swallow instead)

  • Avoid mint and menthol (AVOID COUGH DROPS WITH MENTHOL)