If it has been suggested that you, a friend or family member, or your child may have a voice disorder, it can feel overwhelming. You’ll likely be thinking about what it means for you or your loved one going forward, and whether or not it’ll have any bearing on quality of life.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case, but it all starts with proper diagnosis and an evidence-based plan. In this article, you’ll learn four things you should know about having a voice disorder, and how to get on track so that it has as minimal an impact on you or your loved one’s daily life as possible.
Symptoms May Not be Immediately Apparent
Voice disorder symptoms can range from very intense to very mild.
Someone with only mild symptoms can put off going to the doctor’s because they don’t recognize that there’s an issue. Common milder symptoms can be slight changes in pitch or hoarseness with a gradual onset, or when someone feels themselves straining to speak.
There are also other slight symptoms that could occur, such as breathlessness when talking or finding that the voice gets tired quickly.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
If you or your loved one has any of the symptoms above or more obvious ones, it’s key to see the right professional when you’re seeking a diagnosis.
The person you need to see is a qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor: the role of ENT care specialists is to accurately assess and diagnose conditions within the area in question, and their special equipment and expert knowledge are required to opine on the correct treatment plan.
The first step is to go to your GP, after which, if necessary, they’ll refer you to an ENT. You could also approach an ENT privately.
Lifestyle Changes are Important
In many situations, lifestyle behaviors are to blame for a voice disorder. Your ENT doctor will tell you more, but avoiding heavy drinking, not smoking tobacco, having less caffeine, and making sure you drink enough water are each important.
If you’re a singer or public speaker, this can also put a strain on your voice, so you may need to modify how you warm up.
Voice Disorders are Quite Common
Finally, you should know that you or your loved one is not alone. Voice disorders are actually quite common and can develop due to a wide range of issues, from acid reflux to benign vocal polyps. Your ENT will be able to explain where your issues have stemmed from, but there are always solutions.
There are many ways to treat a voice disorder – it all depends on the cause. A surgical intervention may be the best approach for some, while speech therapy might be ideal for others.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on what having a voice disorder entails and how they’re diagnosed. It’s natural to feel a little worried, but by consulting with the right professionals, you’ll be able to minimize its effect on you or your loved one’s life.
