A voice disorder exists when pitch, loudness and/or vocal quality differ from an individual’s habitual or normal speaking range. It is commonly a result of chronic misuse or abusive behaviors (smoking, tension, excessive yelling, etc); however, it can often be the result of a neurological disorder of some type.

Evaluation of a voice disorder typically includes a visit to the oto-laryngologist or ENT. A scoping of the vocal mechanism reveals any change or interruption to the vocal folds. Depending on the result of the physician’s findings, (non-pathological), referral is made to the speech-language pathologist to assess breath support for speech and vocal quality as well as identify contributing factors affecting the voice.

Based on these findings a plan of care is implemented. Ideally, short, frequent visits are recommended to assist with immediate change. Depending on the type of voice disorder a variety of strategies are introduced to change pitch and vocal quality. First and foremost it is imperative to identify and eliminate vocal misuse and abuse which may lead to further complications of the voice. Adjusting breath support, head positioning, volume and habitual pitch are among some of the changes utilized to achieve adequate and healthy voice.