Soundsgood

ADULT CARE

Hoarseness / Voice Disorders

A voice disorder may be characterized by hoarseness, feeling tired or breathless while talking, unpleasant voice quality or occasional loss of voice. Teachers, lawyers, sales personnel, singers, business executives, coaches, talkative individuals are most susceptible to developing hoarseness of voice. Most voice disorders are caused by misuse of the voice, such as talking too loudly, talking too much in one breath, speaking with unnecessary effort, shouting, straining, chronic throat clearing, and, believe it or not, whispering! Certain medical conditions (such as reflux, allergies, asthma, side effects of certain medications) and lifestyle habits (such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, sodas, caffeine, insufficient hydration) can also affect the voice quality.

Common questions about voice disorders:

1. What is voice therapy?

Voice therapy reduces hoarseness in voice by bringing about a change in the vocal behaviors. Voice therapy consists of techniques and lifestyle changes that eliminate harmful vocal behavior and shape healthy voice system. The duration of the therapy programme depends on the cause of hoarseness and severity of the problem, ongoing medical treatment, and, importantly, patient commitment to practice.

2. I feel better when I reduce talking/ singing or after doing gargles for a few days. Then why do I need to enrol for voice therapy?

Reducing to talk or gargling will only give you temporary relief. The quality of your voice needs to be improved and maintained such that there is no future deterioration in the voice. Voice therapy helps you achieve both these goals.