Pediatric Voice Disorders
Voice disorders affect the quality, pitch, loudness, or overall vocal characteristics. In children, voice problems can range from hoarseness to voice loss.
Types of Voice Disorders
- Dysphonia (hoarseness or breathy voice)
- Hypernasality (voice sounds like a person has a cold)
- Pitch problems (voice too high, too low, or inconsistent)
- Loudness problems (too quiet or too loud for situation)
- Voice fatigue (voice gets worse with use)
Common Causes in Children
- Vocal nodules or polyps (often from voice abuse)
- Excessive voice use (shouting, screaming, loud play)
- Allergies or upper respiratory infections
- Reflux
- Neurological conditions
- Structural differences
- Voice misuse patterns
Treatment
Voice therapy focuses on: identifying and reducing voice abuse patterns, improving voice habits, teaching proper breath support, and educating children and families about voice conservation.