Vocal Pathologies: Unravelling Symptoms & Providing Solutions

The voice is an essential tool for communicating, expressing emotions and conveying thoughts. When our vocal cords are altered for a variety of reasons, we may suffer from vocal pathologies, conditions that can range from slight variations in voice pitch to a total loss of speech.

Identifying Symptoms of Vocal Pathologies

To properly understand and treat vocal pathologies, it is vital to identify common symptoms. These include alterations in the volume, pitch and quality of the voice, persistent hoarseness, throat clearing, difficulty speaking or singing, and the feeling of a «lump» in the throat. Certain voice changes may indicate more serious problems that require medical attention, such as neonatal dysphagia.

Neonatal Dysphagia

Neonatal dysphagia is a pathology that originates in infants and is characterised by difficulty in swallowing. Although it is usually related to physical malformations such as cleft palate, it can also develop due to complications of the nervous system, such as the syndrome Angelman syndrome. Early detection and appropriate intervention are key to avoiding future complications in the child's communication.

Solution To Vocal Pathologies

For vocal pathologies, speech therapy intervention is an effective and masterful solution in its field. A speech therapist will work with the patient to improve or restore vocal skills through specific exercises, re-educating and reconditioning the vocal cords and other muscles related to communication and swallowing. As an early solution, breastfeeding counselling may be essential in cases such as neonatal dysphagia.

Tackling More Complex Pathologies

In the case of more complex pathologies, such as the aphasias and the dyslalias, In some cases, intervention may require a multidisciplinary approach involving psychologists, occupational therapists and, in some cases, educational psychologists. The syndrome Tourette's, for example, is a neurobiological disorder that can cause vocal tics and often requires a mixture of treatments to manage it effectively.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Early detection of any vocal pathology can make all the difference. In this sense, the professionals at Avanza Gabinete Psicopedagógico focus their efforts on detection, early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, using strategies and techniques based on experience and science. From disorders such as atypical swallowing to rarer syndromes, such as the syndrome Williams' team strives to provide the best solutions and to guarantee, with a friendly and close treatment, the recovery of voice, speech and communication management.

Vocal pathologies: symptoms and solutions, is a fascinating and constantly evolving field, where voice professionals play a crucial role. For a humble servant, the recognition of this fact is a motivation to continue learning and providing the best possible care to all our patients. Let us also remember to focus our efforts on recognising and understanding our own voices, to care for and respect them, recognising their importance in our personal and professional lives.