- Voice quality, pitch, and loudness
- Resonance issues (e.g., hypernasality, hyponasality)
- Vocal health and hygiene
What Are Voice and Resonance Disorders?
Voice and resonance disorders affect how the voice sounds and how air flows through the vocal tract during speech. These disorders can cause the voice to sound hoarse, breathy, too loud or soft, or strained. Resonance issues may include too much nasal sound (hypernasality) or not enough (hyponasality). These challenges can result from vocal misuse, medical conditions, neurological issues, or structural differences.
Voice and resonance disorders differ from speech sound disorders because they affect the quality and airflow of the voice rather than how individual sounds are produced.
How Are Voice and Resonance Disorders Treated?
Treatment with a licensed speech-language pathologist focuses on improving vocal quality, reducing strain, and restoring healthy voice use.
Therapy typically includes:
- Evaluating vocal habits and medical history
- Teaching techniques for proper breath support and vocal hygiene
- Using exercises to improve voice strength, pitch, and resonance balance
Voice Disorders in Children
Children can develop voice disorders that make their voice sound hoarse, raspy, too high or low, or strained. These issues are often caused by vocal misuse (like frequent yelling), chronic coughing, or medical conditions affecting the vocal cords. In some cases, nodules or swelling may be present. Our therapy focuses on healthy voice use, vocal hygiene education, and age-appropriate techniques to help children speak clearly and comfortably without strain.
Voice Disorders in Adults
Voice changes can result from neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or from medical procedures such as vocal cord surgery or intubation. These changes may include a weak, hoarse, breathy, or strained voice, making it harder to communicate clearly and confidently. We offer specialized voice therapy to help restore vocal strength, improve clarity, and support safe, effective communication. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s medical history, daily needs, and long-term goals.