Voice is the sound made by air passing from the lungs through the larynx, or voice box. The larynx houses the vocal folds, they are two bands of muscle which vibrates to make sound. Our voices play a big part in defining who we are, what we do and how we communicate. Just like fingerprints, each person’s voice is unique.
Causes of voice disorders
There are certain things that can injure our vocal folds. Excessive talking, screaming, frequent throat clearing and smoking can make the voice hoarse. These can also lead to problems such as nodules, polyps and sores on the vocal folds.
Other causes of voice disorders include infections, upward movement of stomach acids into the throat (reflux laryngitis), growths due to a virus, cancer and diseases that paralyze the vocal cords. Treatment for voice disorders varies depending on the cause. Most voice problems can be successfully treated when diagnosed early.
What is Voice therapy?
Voice therapy or voice training refers to any non-surgical technique used to improve or modify the human voice. It is a mode of treatment for a patient with a voice disorder, which includes:
- A vocal hygiene program
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Voice therapy exercises, including exercises such as strengthening the vocal folds, relaxing and breathing exercises etc.
