Voice Disorders are characterized as either Hypernasality, Assimilated Nasality, Hyponasality, Mixed Nasality or Cul de sac.  A medical referral is needed before any voice therapy is planned.  

The following are some rules for good voice or to reduce vocal abuse.

1.  Avoid shouting, screaming, cheering, and too much loud laughing

2.  Cough, clear your throat or sneeze only when you must, and then do it gently and easily.

3.  Avoid talking in noisy places--around machinery, farm equipment, when listening to loud music, or using a hair dryer.  Do not try to talk over these noises.

4.  Talk when you wish but not too much

5.  Talk easily, initiate your voice smoothly.

6.  Avoid talking too much when you have a head cold or drainage.

7.  Do not use your voice to make strange noises.

8.  If your voice sounds hoarse or is sore, rest it.

9.  Do NOT Smoke!! It is not worth the harm it will do your body or voice.

This page maintained by Celia Thompson.  Last updated on 09/08/2006 .