Voice Disorders

What Causes a Voice Disorder?

A voice disorder can occur from vocal abuse such as talking too much, screaming, constantly clearing the throat or smoking. Other causes include infections, growths due to a virus, cancer or diseases that paralyze the vocal cords.

What are the Symptoms?

Hoarseness, breathiness, “rough voice,” abnormal pitch range (i.e., talking above or below the average range for gender)

How Do We Treat Voice Disorders?

Treatment approaches depend on the cause. Most voice problems can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, possibly in consultation with a physician who is an ear, nose and throat specialist. 

Speech language pathologists  provide suggestions for “vocal” hygiene, such as:

• Changing diet and drinking more water
• Limiting opportunities for yelling, screaming, or other vocally abusive behaviors (e.g., constantly clearing the throat) by providing alternative methods such as clapping, gesturing or drawing.

Direct vocal exercise related to problem also can help:

1. Resonant Therapy
2. Relaxation Techniques
3. Breathing Techniques (e.g., circular breathing)
4. Vocal Warm-up Exercise

Voice therapy is most effective when YOU want to improve your voice!  You need the desire to change any behaviors that affect your voice.

Our Locations

Burnsville:  952-898-5700
BurnsvillePeds@CourageCenter.org

Forest Lake: 651-464-5235
ForestLakePeds@CourageCenter.org

Golden Valley: 763-588-0811 or 1-888-846-8253
pedscarenavigator@couragecenter.org

Stillwater: 651-439-8283
StCroixPeds@CourageCenter.org

See our Locations page for maps and directions.