Basics: Disorders of Vocal Abuse and Misuse

Basics: Disorders of Vocal Abuse and Misuse
Have you "lost" your voice?
When you abuse or misuse your voice, you can damage your vocal folds, causing temporary or permanent voice changes such as
Laryngitis
Vocal nodules
Vocal polyps
Contact ulcers
Who is at risk?
Anyone who uses his or her voice excessively may develop a vocal abuse or misuse disorder. These problems are fairly common among
Lawyers
Teachers
Clergy
Cheerleaders
Singers
Actors
Children
Diagnosis
If you've had vocal change or hoarseness for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor, preferably an otolaryngologist.
Treatment
Most disorders of vocal abuse and misuse can be cured. The best treatment is to eliminate the vocal behavior that caused the problem.

Basics: Disorders of Vocal Abuse and Misuse Have you "lost" your voice? When you abuse or misuse your voice, you can damage your vocal folds, causing temporary or permanent voice changes such as Laryngitis Vocal nodules Vocal polyps Contact ulcers Who is at risk? Anyone who uses his or her voice excessively may develop a vocal abuse or misuse disorder. These problems are fairly common among Lawyers Teachers Clergy Cheerleaders Singers Actors Children Diagnosis If you've had vocal change or hoarseness for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor, preferably an otolaryngologist. Treatment Most disorders of vocal abuse and misuse can be cured. The best treatment is to eliminate the vocal behavior that caused the problem.