Dysphonia

Dysphonia is the name for disorder of the voice.  SLTs will only see a client with dysphonia once they have been assessed by an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, and any medical issues addressed. 

Dysphonia often has several contributory factors.  These could include: misuse of the vocal muscles, sometimes over a prolonged period; reflux of stomach contents into the throat, even in small amounts; psychological stress and reduced hydration.

Voice therapy carried out by the SLT will often involve breathing and voice exercises.  The therapist and client may also discuss how to deal with other contributory factors, the Solution Focused approach is a particularly useful way of doing this.  Often with voice therapy there is marked improvement in just a few sessions.