What Is a Voice Disorder?
A voice disorder occurs when a person’s voice sounds different than expected for their age, gender or cultural background—or when the voice causes discomfort or limits communication. Voice disorders can affect how the voice sounds, how it feels to speak and how long or easily someone can talk.
A healthy voice is typically clear, strong and steady. When the voice is hoarse, breathy, strained, too high or low or cuts out unexpectedly, an underlying issue may require assessment and treatment.
Signs of a Voice Disorder
You or your child may have a voice disorder if you notice:
- Hoarseness or breathiness that doesn’t go away
- Voice that sounds rough, raspy or strained
- Frequent throat clearing or coughing
- Vocal fatigue or pain when speaking
- Sudden changes in pitch or loudness
- Voice loss or reduced vocal endurance
- Difficulty being heard in noisy environments
Common Causes of Voice Disorders
In children:
- Vocal misuse or overuse (e.g., yelling, frequent loud talking)
- Nodules or polyps on the vocal cords
- Chronic throat clearing or coughing
- Allergies, reflux or frequent colds
- Neurological conditions affecting voice control
In adults:
- Vocal strain or fatigue from excessive speaking or singing
- Reflux-related irritation (LPR or GERD)
- Benign vocal fold lesions (nodules, polyps, cysts)
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or spasmodic dysphonia
- Vocal cord paralysis or paresis
- History of head, neck or thyroid surgery
- Smoking or irritant exposure
When To Seek Help
It’s time to contact a specialist if:
- A voice change lasts more than 2–3 weeks
- Your child frequently loses their voice or sounds hoarse
- Speaking causes pain, discomfort or fatigue
- You rely heavily on your voice for work (e.g., teachers, singers, public speakers)
- Voice issues affect your confidence or quality of life
Voice disorders can be subtle or overlooked—but they are real, treatable conditions that deserve attention.
How We Can Help
At the Center for Hearing and Speech, our licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to evaluate and treat voice disorders in children and adults.
We offer:
- Comprehensive voice evaluations, including perceptual and instrumental assessments
- Collaboration with ENT (ear, nose and throat) physicians or laryngologists when needed
- Personalized voice therapy plans to restore healthy, efficient vocal function
- Education on vocal hygiene and prevention strategies
- Support for professional voice users (e.g., teachers, performers)
Regain a Healthy, Confident Voice
Your voice is one of your most important tools for connection, learning and expression. Whether you’re a child who loves to sing or an adult who depends on your voice for work, we’re here to help you protect and restore your voice.
Call Center for Hearing & Speech at (314) 968-4710 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
