What are Voice Disorders?
Voice disorders involve difficulties related to the larynx (voice box) and the surrounding muscles and tissues. Difficulties with voice may be due to injury, disease or misuse and may include a range of issues from mild laryngitis or vocal nodules (calluses for the vocal cords) to more serious diagnoses such as tumours and neurological impairments. Reflux, also known as GERD, can affect a person’s voice along with psycho-social issues such as stress and trauma.
What are the effects?
Your voice may be harsh and “gravelly”, soft and breathy or simply a whisper. You may or may not have discomfort and strain in your throat and the surrounding muscles. You may find that you are clearing your throat more often than usual and feel as though there is a constant lump in your throat. You may have to strain to “push out” your voice so that you can be heard and find that you are quite tired after speaking with friends and family on the phone or in person. You may have a job or hobby that requires you to use your voice often and for long periods of time such as teaching, clerical duties or theatre work. Your symptoms may have started with a cold or virus but have lingered or they may have begun suddenly after attending a loud event such as a sports game or concert. You may have an underlying neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, that is affecting your voice.
How we can help
Together with otolaryngologists (ENT doctors), speech-language pathologists play an important role in assessing and treating voice disorders. A recent ENT assessment (within 6 months) is required before voice assessment and treatment can begin.
At Beyond Words Speech-Language Pathology, we believe in addressing the direct voice disorder along with the behaviours and conditions that may have contributed to the problem. We provide voice therapy that supports the changes in the vocal system (mouth, larynx, lungs) that are needed to optimize your voice such as vocal function exercises and forward placement techniques. Education on how the voice works and good vocal behaviours is key not only to improve a voice disorder but also to prevent difficulty in the future. Assistive devices may be recommended, such as voice amplifiers, to reduce the demands on your voice.
Regardless of the cause of your voice difficulties (i.e., behavioural versus neurological), our goal is to support you in having your best voice possible.
To discuss your specific needs: 905-723-3061 speech@beyondslp.ca