Summary: There are a lot of repercussions for unhealthy vocal use! The key to rehabilitating someone who has a voice disorder is to change their habits. Surgery or vocal rest without a relearning of how to sing or speak will not prevent the problem from coming back. Functional disorders come in two types: hyperfunction (more common) and hypofunction. The hyperfunction disorders tend to arise from speaking problems, not singing. Hyperfunction can be a result of many behaviors such as singing too loudly or too long, tension in muscles, etc. Hypofunction usually appears in the form of breathy singing with little support. Treatment for these conditions should be very individualized. Treatment can be as short as a couple of weeks, or last up to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the willingness of the patient to practice good new habits and try new things. Rehabilitation of the voice is all about patience in gentle and infrequent vocalization. Be aware that dry climates and conditions (including air travel) can have an effect on the voice. Therefore, hydration is always important! After all of this, a singer can get worried if they are using their voice healthily. But if you are able to sing multiple nights in a row without fatigue, that's a good sign of healthy voice use.
Key Terms:
hyperfunction
hypofunction
chronic laryngitis
edema
polyps
nodules (unilateral or bilateral)
dysphonia plicae ventricularis
contact ulcers
myasthenia larynis
cord paralysis
nasal resonance vs. nasality
Key Concepts: Be aware of your own voice and it's fatigue, and go see a specialist if you believe there is a problem (don't self-diagnose!)
Making Connections: I feel confident in my healthy singing, because I do feel that I can sing multiple nights and not be tired. It's not totally relaxed always, but it's much better than it used to be.
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