Adult & Pediatric Voice Disorders (Ensslen-Boggs - Live Interactive Webinar))

Course overview

A voice disorder occurs when voice quality, pitch, and loudness differ or are inappropriate for an individuals age, gender, cultural background, or geographic location. A voice disorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs- even if others do not perceive it as different (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). Voice disorders are estimated to be present in between 3 percent and 9 percent of the U.S. population; with a reported prevalence in the pediatric population of 2 percent to 6 percent. Speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate voice use and function to determine the possible cause of the reported and observed symptoms, and to determine the best intervention methods for improving voice production. Voice disorders occur in both pediatric and adult populations and can be categorized as structural, neurogenic, or functional. Voice quality can also be affected when psychological stress leads to habitual vocal problems; these voice disorders are referred to as psychogenic voice disorders. Voice disorders are not mutually exclusive, and overlap is common. For example, while vocal nodules are an issue with the structure of the vocal mechanism, they result from behavioral voice misuse (a functional issue). Speech-language pathologists play a key role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of voice disorders. The SLPs professional roles and responsibilities include diagnostic/assessment services, treatment, prevention and advocacy, and patient/family education.