Voice Disorders

Have you found…

• That others often ask you to “speak up?”

• That as you progress through the day that your voice seems to become “weaker”?

• Do you cough or clear your throat frequently?

• Do you run out of breath while speaking?

  These are signs and symptoms of a possible voice disorder.

What causes a voice disorder?

A voice disorder can present itself at any time, during any stage of life, for several reasons. Voice disorders can have organic, functional, or psychogenic causes. Organic voice disorders indicate a disorder in the structural (ex: nodules) or neurological system (ex: Parkinson’s). A functional voice disorder indicates vocal misuse occurring; an example of this would be screaming or yelling inappropriately. Occupational voice users such as Singers, Preachers, Teachers, and Call Center Agents often suffer this form of voice disorder due to their career's constant demands. A psychogenic voice disorder is attributed to psychological issues such as anxiety or depression. No matter the cause, a voice disorder can significantly impact your life and emotional well-being.

What do I do if I think I have a voice disorder?

Here at Georgia Institute of Speech and Language, LLC., we love treating voice disorders in adults and utilize various behavioral and evidence-based medical approaches to address each patient’s individual needs. Submit a contact form if you think you may benefit from this service. We would be happy to speak with you. We would be happy to screen you and counsel you on the best course of action.