Dysphonia is common disorder in children. Most childhood voice problems result from vocal abuse, e.g. yelling, shouting, or inappropriate vocal strain. Voice problems are also medically based, such as allergies or reflux.
These things can sometimes cause a small growth to appear on the vocal folds like a nodule, cyst or polyp etc.
Laryngoscopy is essential for their diagnosis because it helps differentiate several laryngeal lesions, leading to a decision for suitable treatments considering each case.
Intervention for voice disorders will include a full assessment and treatment depending on the age of the child, and teaching of improved voice use, elimination of vocal abuse, and management of voice related medical conditions like reflux. Parent education and training is a crucial part of voice therapy, as parents will be responsible for implementing behavioral programs in the home for best voice recovery.
(The video clip above shows 6 year old Aron having voice disorder, a breathy voice. Laryngoscopy shows vocal nodules).
