Voice relates to the auditory
output which is produced by using respiratory support and the vocal folds. In
some cases, the vocal folds are abused which can cause poor vocal quality.
We rely on our
voices
to inform, persuade, and connect with other people. Your voice is as unique as
your fingerprint. Many people you know use their voices all day long, day in and
day out. Singers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, sales people, and public
speakers are among those who make great demands on their voices. Unfortunately,
these individuals are most prone to experiencing voice problems. It is believed
that 7.5 million people have diseases or
disorders of voice.
Some of these disorders can be avoided by taking care of your voice.
If having difficulty with your voice,
you may have
some of the following characteristics:
-Voice quality sounds
harsh, breathy, and/or hoarse
-Voice quality sounds hypernasal (e.g., sounds like the student is talking
through his/her nose) or hyponasal (e.g., sounds like the student has a cold)
-Volume is too loud or too soft for the situation
-Pitch is too high or too low for age and gender
-Voice quality causes unfavorable listener reaction
-Voice is monotone (lacks inflection)
-School medical records indicate presence of cleft in teeth ridge or palate,
history of allergies, medical diagnosis of voice problems
-Difficulty with adequate breath support
What causes voice problems?
Causes of vocal
problems may include upper respiratory infections, inflammation caused by acid
reflux, vocal misuse and abuse, vocal nodules or laryngeal papillomatosis
(growths), laryngeal cancer, neuromuscular diseases (such as
spasmodic dysphonia
or
vocal cord paralysis),
and psychogenic conditions due to psychological trauma. Keep in mind that most
voice problems are reversible and can be successfully treated when diagnosed
early and with proper therapy.
For more information on Voice,
check out these websites:
National
Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders
