Voice Disorders

What is voice and how does sound emit from our mouths? It starts with air from our lungs being pushed through our larynx (or voice box). The larynx contains two cords that are called vocal cords and they need to vibrate to produce sound. Sometimes, due to a variety of reasons, the vocal cords are damaged and a patient will suffer a voice disorder. Specialists at Clear Speech and Language provide treatment and options for voice disorders.

Many people have colds and temporary voice issues such as hoarseness or they may lose their voice. These minor situations typically resolve with rest and home remedies of hot tea with honey and lemon. There are more serious forms of voice disorders. They generally fall into four main types of voice disorders:

This happens when one or both of the vocal cords in the larynx stop vibrating during speech. If both stop vibrating, it may impact a person’s eating. This condition can be caused from a head or neck injury, tumor, surgery or possibly a stroke. This condition needs to be treated medically and a specialist at Clear Speech and Language can suggest behaviors to help the patient cope after it is diagnosed.

These nodules and polyps are typically non-cancerous. They are caused from overuse such as yelling and singing. The vocal cord becomes soft and swells. If it develops into a blister type of sore, it is a polyp and if it becomes hardened like a growth, it is a nodule. After diagnosis by the physician, a speech language pathologist will help the patient identify abusive vocal behaviors that cause it and suggest alternatives. They will also work with the patient to come up with communication mechanisms while the cords are healing.

This condition is typically long term where the voice will change to a quivery, jerky sound with little or no warning and then go back to normal. The condition starts out with minimal changes and then progresses. The highly trained specialists at Clear Speech and Language can help the patient determine what triggers this nervous system condition and how to work around them.

Sometimes the vocal cords or folds will spontaneously close at inappropriate times causing issues with breathing. This condition is one of the most difficult voice disorders to treat due to similar symptoms to asthma and other wheezing conditions.

If you have any of the following symptoms, the specialists at Clear Speech and Language can help evaluate if you need further testing and an appointment with a physician:

If you have suffered any of the above symptoms or if you need more information, call one of the trained and qualified speech therapists at Clear Speech and Language.