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What are voice disorders?
When we speak, air from our lungs enters the windpipe, and makes the vocal folds vibrate. This vibration, in combination with our articulators (mouth, tongue, teeth etc.), generate the sounds needed for speech. Voice disorders occur when quality, pitch, and loudness differ from an individual’s typical voice. A voice disorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs (even if others don’t perceive it as different). Changes in voice may be caused by muscle tension, spasms, vocal fatigue, trauma to the larynx, abnormalities of the vocal folds such as nodules or polyps. Some causes are simply unknown.
Why was a referral made to CHEO School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) Program?
Children may be referred to the program if a vocal fold pathology was identified by the Ear Nose and Throat physician (ENT) resulting in poor voice quality (e.g., rough, hoarse or whispery vocal quality), atypical nasality, or nasal air emission (air escaping through the nose).
Factors that can affect vocal quality:
- Vocal misuse or overuse (frequent yelling, screaming, throat clearing, etc.)
- Lifestyle (increased stress, poor eating or sleeping habits, etc.)
- Allergies, illnesses or medications
- Respiratory diseases (colds, etc.)
- Reflux: seek medical advice and strategies.
Vocal hygiene tips
Vocal hygiene is extremely important to take care of your child’s voice. The following tips can be implemented in all frequent environments (home, school) to support your child’s vocal health.
Hydrate! Children should have 4-8 cups of water per day.
Take Breaks! Ensure your child rests their voice for at least 15 minutes of rest for every hour it is used.
Avoid using loud volumes. Avoid screaming, shouting, cheering, talking over the TV or other loud noises, and yelling from one room to another.
Avoid whispering. Whispering creates tension as we are trying to stop the natural contact of the vocal fold. Instead, speak softly.
Avoid throat clearing or coughing. Instead, try to take a sip of water when possible.
Maintain good health habits. Ensure the child maintains a balanced diet, and sleeps well. Avoid a hectic lifestyle to reduce stress in your child’s daily routine. Avoid eating spicy, acidic, greasy, very cold or very hot foods as these could increase symptoms of voice disorders.
Model healthy voice habits for your child. Ensure that you talk with normal loudness and use a slower speaking rate.