Voice Disorders

The ENT speech and language therapy team provides care for patients with a disorders of the voice.

What is a voice disorder?

Voice disorders are a range of conditions that affect the larynx (voice box). They can cause changes to the voice called dysphonia or loss of voice called aphonia. These changes can affect the way the voice sounds, for example, making it sound hoarse, croaky, strained, breathy or weak. Voice disorders can also make the throat feel different, for example it might feel tight, sore, achy or dry.

Voice disorders can cause difficulties in day-to-day life for some people. For example, it may be difficult to be heard by other people, or it may affect your work, school or hobbies. Voice disorders can also cause frustration, low mood or isolation in some cases.

Voice disorders have many different causes, including how you use your voice, lifestyle factors, medical conditions and many more. In some cases, a hoarse voice can be a sign of cancer or another medical condition, so if patients have had a hoarse voice for more than three weeks, it is important they see their General Practitioner (GP). Most voice problems are not due to cancer, but it’s important to rule this out (Cancer Research UK, 2018). The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (rcslt.org)

Assessment of Voice Disorders?

During assessment, we will ask patients for information about their medical history, throat health and the impact of their voice symptoms. Assessment may include laryngoscopy.

Treatment of Voice Disorders?

Treatment is centred on a patient’s individual needs. Voice therapy relies on lots of practise of specific exercises and the implementation of strategies between appointments.

Treatments include:

Education and advice to help you better understand your disorder and treat the different voice disorders, this includes voice and throat care
Direct voice exercises to release any tension in the muscles of the voice box and throat
Psychological and emotional support

Our main aim is to help patients achieve the best possible function in order to allow them to continue with their daily activities to the best of their ability. We aim to enable patients to manage their symptoms themselves.