Dysphonia is any voice disorder that impacts vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort. Voice disorders have many causes, including functional causes (yelling, excessive throat clearing, inefficient voice use), structural abnormalities (vocal nodules, cysts, polyps, inflammation, laryngeal trauma), neurologic diagnoses (Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, spasmodic dysphonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis), or other causes (chronic stress, conversion disorders). An individual with dysphonia might experience:

-rough/breathy/strained/strangled voice quality

-abnormal pitch (too high, too low, pitch breaks, decreased range)

-abnormal loudness (too high, too low, decreased range)

-abnormal resonance (hypernasal, hyponasal, cul-de-sac resonance)

-weak voice

-vocal tremors

-running out of breath

-limited vocal endurance (voice tires quickly)

-pain or tightness with voice use

Singers and other professional voice users (actors, teachers, clergy, attorneys, receptionists, etc.) may experience a variety of voice difficulties due to the high demands placed on the voice. Skilled voice therapy can help to reduce:

-vocal fatigue

-decreased vocal loudness

-decreased pitch range

-pain with voice use

-strain or change in vocal tone

The primary function of the larynx is to act as a valve to protect the airway. Sometimes, this valve function becomes disordered. Therapy may target any of the following diagnoses:

-chronic cough

-throat clearing

-paradoxical vocal fold movement

-exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction

A speech disorder refers to a problem with how an individual says sounds or words. A language disorder refers to a problem with the rule-based word system represented in the brain. Speech and language disorders can be developmental or acquired, affecting adults and children.

Examples of speech disorders include:

-apraxia of speech

-dysarthria

-dysfluency (stuttering or cluttering)

-speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders)

Examples of language disorders include:

-aphasia

-agraphia (acquired difficulty with spelling/writing)

-alexia (acquired difficulty with reading)

-childhood language disorders (developmental language disorder or specific language impairment)

-learning disabilities (difficulty with reading, spelling, writing)

Dysphagia is any swallowing disorder that impacts the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), or esophagus. Difficulty swallowing can affect hydration and nutritional status, lung health, and enjoyment of eating. Though more common in adults, swallow disorders also affect children. An individual with dysphagia might experience:

-coughing/throat clearing during or after eating/drinking

-wet or gurgly voice after eating/drinking

-food or liquid leaking out of the mouth while eating/drinking

-globus sensation (feels like food gets stuck)

-pain with swallowing