Voice Disorder Assessment

A voice disorder is a problem involving the pitch, loudness, or quality of sound produced by the voice box (larynx). Most disorders will involve more than one symptom with severity varying with the individual. Voice disorders affect children and adults.

The most common cause of vocal disorder is vocal abuse. Continuous vocal abuse can cause chronic voice disorder in the form of laryngitis, cysts, and nodules.

Heart bypass surgery, some neurological conditions, and hormonal disorders may also result in voice disorders.

Symptoms of voice disorder can include:

• Hoarseness
• Rough voice
• Weakness of the voice as the day goes on
• Loss of voice
• Straining to speak
• Shortness of breath
• Decrease in pitch range and/or loudness

Some voice disorders are transient and require no treatment. For severe disorders, assessment and ongoing treatment is prescribed. A speech-language pathologist will perform a comprehensive assessment involving a detailed case history, an oral-motor exam, and instrumental and clinical voice observation. The therapist will then prescribe exercises that include breath support, vocal cord movement, and relaxation of the muscles used in voice and posture.

For more information on voice disorder assessment, contact a qualified speech-language pathologist in your area.