Speech Therapy

These occur when the physical structure of the vocal folds is normal, but the way the person uses them is inefficient or strained.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD): Excessive tension in the neck and throat muscles while speaking, leading to a tight, squeezed, or tired voice.
Psychogenic Voice Disorders: Voice changes (like total loss of voice) linked to psychological stress or trauma, despite no physical injury to the larynx.
Vocal Fatigue: A feeling of "running out of breath" or physical aching after talking for short periods.

These involve physical changes to the vocal fold tissues, often caused by trauma, irritation, or growth.

Vocal Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts: Often called "calluses" of the vocal cords, these are typically caused by chronic vocal misuse (yelling, straining).
Contact Ulcers/Granulomas: Small sores or growths that often result from severe acid reflux (GERD) or aggressive throat clearing.
Sulcus vocalis is a structural lesion characterized by a linear groove along the vocal fold edge that adheres to the underlying ligament, disrupting vibration and closure to cause a breathy, hoarse, and easily fatigued voice.

These result from problems with the nervous system or the signals sent from the brain to the larynx.

Vocal Fold Paralysis/Paresis: When one or both vocal folds don't move correctly, leading to a breathy, weak voice or difficulty swallowing.
Spasmodic Dysphonia: A neurological "twitch" of the vocal cords that causes the voice to sound broken, jerky, or strained.

SLPs also work with voice changes that are not "disorders" but rather functional goals for the individual.

Professional Voice Coaching: Helping singers, actors, or public speakers improve stamina and prevent injury.
Presbyphonia: Addressing the natural thinning and weakening of the vocal folds that can occur with aging.

Hoarseness -A rough, raspy quality.

Breathiness - Excessive air escaping, making the voice sound thin.

Strained - A "tight" sound, as if it's hard to push words out.

Diplophonia - Hearing two different pitches at the same time.

Aphonia -The total loss of voice.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse