Adult and Pediatric Voice Disorders

A voice disorder occurs when voice quality, pitch, and loudness differ or are inappropriate for an individual age, gender, cultural background, or geographic location. A voicedisorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs even if others do not perceive it as different (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). Voice disorders are estimated to be present in between 3% and 9% of the U.S. population; with a reported prevalence in the pediatricpopulation of 2% to 6%. Speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate voice use and function to determine the possible cause of the reported and observed symptoms, and to determine the best intervention methods for improving voice production.

Voice disorders occur in both pediatric and adult populations and can be categorized as structural, neurogenic, or functional. Voice quality can also be affected when psychological stress leads to habitual vocal problems; these voice disorders are referred to as psychogenic voice disorders. Voice disorders are not mutually exclusive, and overlap is common. For example, while vocal nodules are an issue with the structure of the vocal mechanism, they resultfrom behavioral voice misuse (a functional issue). Speech- language pathologists play a key role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of voice disorders. The SLP’s professional roles and responsibilitiesinclude diagnostic assessment services, treatment,prevention and advocacy, and patient/family education.

Highlights

• Best diagnostic tools and interventions for the successful treatment of voice disorders
• Importance of different members roles on the intervention team
• Organic and functional etiologies of voice and resonancedisorders