A voice disorder is when the quality of a child’s voice is noticeably different to the voices of others who are the same age and sex. Children with voice disorders may have harsh or hoarse voices, or voices that are too high or low, too loud or too nasal.
Most voice disorders are harmless and disappear on their own, though some require the help of a pediatrician, ear-nose-throat specialist (ENT) or speech therapist.
Signs and symptoms of voice disorders
If your child has a voice disorder, their voice may sound:
harsh or hoarse
too high or too low
too loud or too quiet, or they may have 'lost' their voice entirely
as though they are speaking through a blocked nose
as though too much air is coming down through the nose during speech.
Children with voice disorders often have voices that tire, or they have difficulty projecting their voice.
Poor voice quality may make it hard for your child to communicate effectively and may make them lose self-confidence or affect the way other people see them.
Infants with voice disorders may have a cry that is weak or has a harsh or hoarse quality, or they may have noisy breathing.
What causes voice disorders?
Voice disorders in children are usually caused by:
excessive shouting or loud talking
excessive use of harsh voice 'sound effects' during play
common childhood infections.
Vocal nodules/cysts
Caring for your child's voice
These suggestions can help your child take good care of their voice:
Encourage your child to get closer to the person they want to speak to instead of yelling across distances and discourage shouting or talking over background noise.
Schedule short periods of voice rest or quiet time during the day and night.
Play around with different voices with your child so they become more aware of different levels of loudness, pitch and clarity.
Demonstrate the contrast between gentle and harsh/rough voices.
Praise your child when you hear them using their gentle voice.
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