Adult & Pediatric Voice

Speech communication is very limited without voice. Voice has power to add to or change the meaning of words in speech. It exposes our physical condition, reveals and releases emotion, and unmasks our personality. Our voice changes moment to moment, as well as over time. This powerful tool needs care and attention to remain healthy.

Typically, it is a family doctor who will be alerted first to voice problems. Generally, they will refer to an otolaryngologist, who will administer a traditional, fiberoptic or stroboscopic ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination. A non-invasive treatment is always preferable, so the doctor may prescribe a speech-language pathologist to identify and try to help change behaviors and teach skills that help restore and maintain a healthy voice.

The sound of the voice may be your best warning to more serious problems. Examples of warning signs are: breathiness, hoarseness, pitch breaks, inappropriate pitch, strained voice, shaky voice, excessive throat clearing or uncontrolled voicing when inhaling. Any of these signs lasting more then four to five days should concern you.

A change in voice is often a result of damage to your vocal folds. Behavioral and environmental factors that may contribute to damaged voice include: excessive use, strain, abnormal pitch level, alcohol, pollutants, smoking, reflux and infection. Voice problems can also be due to organic disease, trauma, and nervous system dysfunction, for example: benign or malignant tumors, granulomas (often associated with intubation), parkinsonism, ALS and multiple sclerosis.

Voicing is one of those things most of us tend to do without much regard until it is problematic. We don't feel pain while we are abusing our vocal folds and it is possible that resulting damage can be irreparable. Here are some suggestions to promote a lasting and healthy voice:

Do...

• Limit amount of talking time, particularly when you have any signs of upper respiratory tract infection.
• Drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
• Manage tension, especially around shoulders and neck area. Exercise regularly, stretch, and seek out relaxation techniques that are effective for you.
• Limit caffeine intake particularly when you are experiencing dryness, strain or discomfort in your throat. Caffeine is believed to have a drying effect on the vocal folds.
• Use your diaphragm for breathing rather than lifting your shoulders and upper torso.

Don't...

• Stay in dusty or smoky areas without protection.
• Work with toxic substances without protection.
• Try to converse for any length of time in a noisy environment.
• Hold your breath as in clenching your vocal folds together when lifting heavy objects or during physical activities.
• Cough or clear your throat excessively.
• Yell throughout an entire sports event. Try bells, whistles... be creative!

Remember...

• The sound of the voice may be your best warning to more serious problems.
• Do not ignore hoarseness, or unusual voice qualities in your children
• If the voice does not sound or feel normal for 4 to 5 days, and you do not know why, see a doctor, otolaryngologist or a speech-language pathologist.