Voice Disorders

If your child has a voice disorder, their voice may sound:

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• harsh or hoarse

• too high or too low

• too loud or too quiet, or they may have ‘lost’ their voice entirely

• as though they are speaking through a blocked nose

• as though too much air is coming down through the nose during speech.

 

Children with voice disorders often have voices that tire easily or they have difficulty projecting their voice. Poor voice quality may make it hard for your child to communicate effectively and may make them lose self-confidence.

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Voice disorders in children are usually caused by:

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• excessive shouting or loud talking

• excessive use of harsh voice ‘sound effects’ during play

• common childhood infections.

 

There are also some rare medical conditions that may cause voice disorders in children.  It is helpful if a diagnosis of a voice disorder has been confirmed by an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) examination.  A GP can refer to ENT.

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If a voice disorder is caused by misuse, then therapy will focus on changing vocal habits.  We will work through play, practicing using a softer voice, and then woill work towards generalising this into everyday life.

 

 

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