Voice Disorders

A voice disorder is any condition that affects the way your voice sounds. It can cause your voice to be hoarse, raspy, breathy, strained, or weak. It can also make it difficult to speak loudly or for long periods of time.

There are many different types of voice disorders, each with its own cause.

Treatment for a voice disorder will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes, such as resting your voice and avoiding irritants, can help to improve your voice. If you have a vocal nodule or polyp, you may need surgery to remove it. In some cases, voice therapy may be helpful.

If you are concerned that you may have a voice disorder, it is important to see a doctor or speech-language therapist for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent your voice disorder from getting worse.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your voice healthy:

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your vocal cords hydrated.
• Warm up your voice before using it for extended periods, such as singing or giving a presentation.
• Avoid shouting or speaking in a loud voice for long periods of time.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

See a speech-language therapist at our Clinic if you have any concerns about your voice.