Voice

Voice Birds

Are you worried about your child’s voice?

Have you noticed that it sounds different? It might sound a bit rougher or breathier than usual. Perhaps it is difficult to get it started, or maybe it breaks, squeaks unexpectedly or hurts when he/she speaks or sings? If this has been going on for longer than two weeks or so you may be beginning to wonder if anything is wrong.

Get it checked!

Although most changes in voice quality occur because of inefficient voice production or simple throat infections, very occasionally hoarseness may be a sign of a more serious problem. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

What to do

Report your child’s symptoms to our GP. If you do not have a GP it is important to register with one as soon as possible – without one it is going to be very difficult to get the help your child needs.

A GP can diagnose and treat some voice problems. They can refer your child on to a specialist for further investigations and treatment if they feel this is necessary.

When a child is identified as having a voice problem, they will be referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant at their local hospital where the vocal cords will be examined and a diagnosis made e.g. vocal nodules.

The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon can examine your child’s voice to ensure that it is healthy. They can diagnose most voice problems and provide medication, special investigations and refer to other specialists for further diagnosis or treatment where necessary.

The child will then be seen by the Speech and Language Therapist for therapy to remediate the voice.
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