DYSPHONIA

What is Dysphonia?

Dysphonia is a voice disorder that affects the quality of the voice and can be effectively treated with speech therapy. It impacts the voice’s quality, tone, intensity, or projection. This condition may manifest as a hoarse, rough, shaky, fatigued voice or difficulty modulating sounds. Dysphonia is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of alterations in the vocal mechanisms, which can be caused by various factors.

Causes of Dysphonia

The causes of dysphonia vary and are generally related to problems in the larynx or the muscles controlling the voice. Main causes include:

Organic Disorders:

Vocal nodules: Benign growths on the vocal cords due to excessive or improper voice use.
Vocal polyps or cysts: Benign lesions that alter vocal cord vibration.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, usually caused by viral infections or overuse of the voice.
Vocal cord paralysis: Occurs when nerves controlling the vocal cords are damaged, making movement difficult.

Functional Disorders:

Muscle tension: Excessive effort or incorrect use of vocal muscles can cause functional dysphonia.
Vocal fatigue: Overuse of the voice, especially in professional or artistic contexts.
Emotional or psychological stress: Anxiety or stress can affect tone and resonance.

Environmental Factors and Habits:

Dry or polluted environments: Dry air, pollution, or constant use of heating/air conditioning can irritate the throat and vocal cords.
Unhealthy habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or exposure to chemicals.

Common Symptoms of Dysphonia

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause but often include:

Hoarse, rough, or deep voice.
Difficulty projecting the voice.
Vocal fatigue after prolonged speaking.
Throat discomfort or pain.
Difficulty producing high or low sounds.
Voice interruptions or “breaks.”
Frequent throat clearing or cough.

Treatment and How a Speech Therapist Can Help

Dysphonia can be effectively treated with speech therapy. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and a speech therapist plays a central role in recovery and management. They specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating voice disorders through various therapeutic techniques:

Voice evaluation: Detailed assessment of voice quality, breathing patterns, and muscle use to identify the probable cause.
Vocal technique training: Teaching efficient voice use to avoid strain, including proper breathing, volume control, and vocal cord care.
Vocal rehabilitation: Exercises to restore flexibility and strength, including relaxation, resonance improvement, and breathing control techniques.
Specific disorder treatment: Collaboration with ENT specialists for structural issues (nodules, polyps) and post-surgery vocal rehabilitation.
Education and prevention: Guidance on vocal habits, hydration, and environmental care to prevent recurrence.
Anxiety management therapy: Techniques to reduce stress-related vocal tension, improving overall voice quality.

If you feel you might need help recovering your voice, our speech therapists in Marbella are here to help. Contact us at +34 672 11 50 83 or +34 951 765 549.