What's Next

Questions to Ask:

Being diagnosed with a voice disorder can be devastating, it can greatly impact one's life emotionally, socially and professionally.

It is important to know what questions or information to ask your physician or speech therapist to acquire as much information as possible about your diagnosis. The following suggestions and questions may be helpful:

In a conversation with your physician, ask about:

• Whether your voice disorder coincides with another illness.
• Is it temporary or permanent?
• The genetics and familial heredity that may be linked to your voice disorder.
• Long term verses short term outcomes?
• Medications I can take to help my voice improve?
• The possibility of using Botox treatment?
• Is surgical intervention necessary? If so, what are the risks and expected outcomes?

In a conversation with your Speech Pathologist, make sure you discuss the following:

• Vocal hygiene
• Vocal misuse
• Stressors: physical or emotional
• Supplemental treatments: massage, progressive relaxation techniques, breathing, etc.
• Expected outcomes of treatment
• Your responsibilities outside of treatment, e.g., a home program

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Coping with your Voice Disorder:


It is important that one receives therapeutic counseling regarding your a disorder whether, it is mild or severe. Our voice is a major communication tool in our daily life and to have it altered or lost permanently in any way can be devastating.

Many feelings may arise when dealing with a voice disorder, such as:

• frustration
• inadequacy
• self doubt
• isolation
• fear
• disappointment
• isolation
• alone
• loss of their identity

It is essential that you give yourself an outlet for these feelings so you can cope with your disorder in a healthy and helpful way. There are a variety of people whom you can speak to about the emotions that come with the diagnosis of a voice disorder, such as a speech and language pathologist, a physician, a counselor, or a therapist. Local support groups may also be a helpful way to connect with other people who may be sharing your experiences and finding support. Ask your physician or speech and language pathologist for information about local support groups or therapists who they recommend.