The Importance of Your Voice and Voice Disorders

If you have never had any speech related problems, then you probably take your voice for granted. For people with voice disorders, however, everything from answering the phone to making a presentation at work can be overwhelming.

Many people have voice disorders and don’t even know it. Since the symptoms are nonspecific, it is easy to assume that everything inside of your body is working as it should be. If you are experiencing ongoing and unexplained hoarseness, breathiness, frequent coughing, or if you feel like you need to clear your throat continually, you may have an underlying voice condition. You don’t have to accept a voice disorder as something that will forever impair your life. There are treatments and therapies a voice and speech specialist can use to help you.

Some common voice disorders include bowed vocal cords, a condition in which the vocal cords have lost some of the muscle mass that surrounds them and helps them function; chronic cough; and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder, a condition that causes wheezing that does not respond to treatments such as inhalers and steroids.

Treatment for voice disorders depends on the exact nature of the disorder, but usually involves a combination of respiratory therapy and prescription drugs. Breathing exercises also play a role. If you suspect you have a voice problem, ask your doctor to refer you to a voice and swallowing specialty care center.