Voice

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What are voice disorders?

The term voice disorders is used to describe a range of conditions which affect the larynx (voice box) and therefore cause changes to one鈥檚 voice (also referred to as 鈥榙ysphonia鈥�).

These changes can make voicing sound: hoarse, croaky, strained, breathy or weak. Voice disorders can also make the throat feel different, for example it might feel sore, achy or dry.

Voice disorders can cause difficulties in day-to-day life for some people. For example, it may be difficult to be heard by other people therefore this can result in frustration, low mood or feelings of isolation in some cases.听听

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What causes voice disorders?

Voice disorders have many different causes, including how you use your voice, lifestyle factors, medical conditions and many more.

In some cases, a hoarse voice can be a sign of cancer or another medical condition, so if you have had a hoarse voice for more than three weeks, it is important to see your General Practitioner (GP). Most voice problems are not due to cancer, but it鈥檚 important to rule this out (Cancer Research UK, 2018).

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Speech and Language Therapist role

Speech and language therapists (SaLTs) have an important role in assessing, treating, managing and preventing voice disorders. In many cases, voice therapy delivered by a SaLT can help to improve or eliminate a voice problem.听

Before you are referred to Speech and Language Therapy for voice therapy, you will need to be seen by an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor, who will look into your throat using a camera to establish what is causing your voice problem. This procedure is called an endoscopy, laryngoscopy or nasendoscopy.听

What to expect from SaLT

Your SaLT will want to gather as much information about you and your voice as possible, in order to determine a suitable treatment plan. This may include a number of questions about your health, your lifestyle, your well-being and how you use your voice.听

Following this:

Your SaLT will likely assess your voice in detail.听
They may ask you to make some sounds and use your voice in different ways.听
Your SaLT may also wish to make a recording of your voice, with your permission, or analyse your voice using some software.
They may also ask you to complete some additional questionnaires about your voice problem and/or symptoms.听

The SaLT will discuss the nature of your voice problem and whether they think voice therapy will be suitable for you, and talk about what that will involve. They may also suggest some strategies, such as voice-use and lifestyle changes, that you can implement to help improve your voice.听

If voice therapy is thought to be appropriate, you will likely be offered some therapy sessions. In these sessions, you will be shown some voice exercises. Although an important part of therapy is that you practicing these exercise at home, at least several times per day.听

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Further information

Useful contacts and websites:

Leaflets:

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