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