Voice disorders: abuse, misuse and functional problems.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Voice Science

Background:

• Vocal complaints are frequent, particularly in professional voice users.
• Medical management of hoarseness is often delayed due to a lack of understanding of precipitating vocal behaviors.
• Functional voice disorders, the most common vocal pathology, are frequently linked to improper breathing and/or abusive vocal patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of identifying and modifying aberrant vocal and breathing patterns in functional voice disorders.
• To emphasize the role of vocal behavior in the onset and persistence of hoarseness.
• To underscore the necessity of behavioral change for successful voice disorder management.

Main Methods:

• Review of common predisposing factors for functional voice disorders.
• Analysis of the relationship between vocal behavior and voice pathology.
• Emphasis on the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of assessing breathing and vocal patterns.

Main Results:

• Improper breathing and abusive vocal patterns are primary contributors to functional voice disorders.
• Failure to address these behaviors leads to persistent or recurrent voice problems.
• Successful management hinges on the identification and modification of these aberrant patterns.

Conclusions:

• Addressing vocal behaviors is crucial for effective medical management of hoarseness.
• Modification of improper breathing and abusive vocal patterns is essential for resolving functional voice disorders.
• Behavioral changes are necessary to prevent the persistence or recurrence of voice disorders.