Voice
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Voice
Voice - The distinctive quality or pitch or
condition of a person's speech.
What
are vocal abuse and misuse?
Vocal abuse is any
behavior or occurrence that strains or injures the vocal folds (or
vocal cords). This may include excessive talking, throat clearing,
coughing, inhaling irritants, smoking, screaming, or yelling. Vocal
misuse is improper voice usage such as speaking too loudly or at an
abnormally high or low pitch. Frequent vocal abuse and misuse can
damage the vocal folds and cause temporary or permanent changes in
vocal function, voice quality, and possible loss of
voice.
Who
may be at risk for a disorder of vocal abuse or
misuse?
Disorders of vocal
abuse and misuse are the most prevalent and preventable of the
types of voice disorders. Anyone, from infants to the elderly, who
uses his or her voice excessively may develop a disorder related to
vocal abuse. Lawyers, teachers, clergy, cheerleaders, and
professional voice users such as singers and actors often develop
these types of voice disorders. Much of the chronic hoarseness
experienced by children is caused by vocal abuse or
misuse.
How
are disorders of vocal abuse and misuse
treated?
Most disorders of vocal abuse and misuse are reversible. The best treatment is to identify and eliminate the vocal behavior that created the voice disorder. In many cases, a brief period of voice therapy is helpful so that the individual can learn good vocal techniques such as proper breath support for speech or eliminating forceful voicing. However there are times when additional medical intervention is required.
