What is a Voice Disorder?
The American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) defines a voice disorder as having a problem with pitch, loudness or vocal quality which draws attention to itself rather than what the speaker is saying. A voice disorder may range from mild hoarseness to a severe, life threatening condition. It may include pain or discomfort, vocal fatigue with talking, loss of voice or reduction in singing range, and difficulty initiating or maintaining voice.
Any voice change or hoarseness persisting for longer than two weeks should be medically evaluated.