Voice

Teachers, attorneys, clergy, singers and performers are all professional voice users who rely on their voice. Overuse or habits that strain the voice can result in vocal problems and impact their livelihood.

Children, as well as adults, can develop voice problems that result in:

• Hoarseness
• Chronic laryngitis
• Weak voice or loss of voice
• Hypernasality
• Vocal nodules and vocal polyps

Voice therapy by an experienced speech pathologist focuses on analyzing an individual’s vocal use and identifying factors that cause or contribute to vocal difficulties. Examination by an ENT physician (otolarynologist or laryngologist) prior to the onset of therapy is necessary to determine if a medical cause exists or the extent of the physical problem. An individualized program with a speech pathologist to eliminate vocal irritants may result in avoiding surgery and an improved, functional voice.