Page 2 - Voice Problems

Voice disorder
We know that voice is the vehicle for our speech. A
voice disorder is an abnormality or difculty in
producing voice when we speak. It can affect the
quality of our voice. It can occur in adults and children.

Characteristics of individuals with voice
disorders
If anyone or a combination of the following features
are seen in the voice of a person, they may be at risk
of a voice problem.

Ÿ Hoarse, harsh or rough voice
Ÿ Breathy voice
Ÿ Shortness of breath while speaking or singing
Ÿ Reduced pitch range
Ÿ Reduced loudness

Ÿ Excessively high pitched voice
Ÿ Excessively low pitched voice
Ÿ Break or tremor in voice

Ÿ Deterioration of voice as the day goes by
Ÿ Sudden loss of voice for a temporary period
lasting for a few hours to days
Ÿ Increased strain in the voice after speaking for
sometime
Ÿ Tension and pain in the neck muscles

Causes of voice disorders

Improper or wrong way of speaking or singing can
result in injury to vocal folds. Vocal folds or chords are
two string like structures in our voice box. Vibration of
these produces voice.