Here at Box Hill Speech Pathology, we use toys to help children learn language. These toys help kids learn new words, follow directions, take turns,… Read More
Voice Disorders in Children
What do we mean by ‘voice’?
Your child’s voice allows him to speak, sing, scream, imitate others, shout, laugh and cry. Her voice expresses feelings ranging from excitement to fear, surprise to anger, happiness to disgust.
What can go wrong with my child’s voice?
Problems can happen with one or more features of your child’s voice:
- Pitch – how high or low the voice sounds (like musical notes)
- Volume – how loud or soft the voice is
- Quality – how smooth and clear the voice sounds
- Resonance – your child may sound as though she is speaking through a blocked nose (hyponasal) or has too much air coming down through the nose during speech (hypernasal)
What are the signs and symptoms of a voice disorder?
Voice problems in children are not well recognised. Does your child’s voice sound:
- Strained (heard in the voice or seen in straining neck muscles)?
- Breathy or hoarse?
- Rough?
- Croaky?
- Squeaky?
- Gurgly?
- Too high or low?
- Too loud or soft?
If your child’s breathing is noisy, it’s painful to speak or she loses her voice regularly, these may also be signs of a problem.
Worried about your child’s voice? Our team is here to help!
What’s the impact of a voice disorder?
A voice problem can affect social, emotional and educational development. A voice disorder may restrict your child from expressing themselves and participating in home and school life.
Our voices are unique and integral to our identity, with an abnormal voice often drawing unwanted attention. Impairments can influence self-esteem, and children may experience sadness, anger and frustration.
What will happen when I see a speech pathologist?
- Assessment – The speech pathologist will ask about your child’s voice problem, voice use and your child’s health. She will ask about the impact on his participation at home and school. She will also listen to and analyse your child’s voice.
- Intervention – If you and the speech pathologist decide that therapy is appropriate, a combination of direct and indirect approaches will be offered.
If you have any concerns about your child’s voice, call 9899 5494 today to book an appointment with our speech pathologist.
Newsletters Archive 2017
| Date Published | Download |
|---|---|
| April 2017 | Making the Choice to Care for the Voice – Resources for Parents |
| May 2017 | Voicing Your Concerns – Part One |
| May 2017 | Voicing Your Concerns – Part Two |