Speech versus voice disorders – what’s the difference?
Speech is the sound produced by modification of the lips, teeth, tongue, palate and throat. As such, speech issues relate to these body parts.
Voice is the sound that is produced by the voicebox (larynx). In other words, voice is first created by the larynx before being turned into speech by the tongue, lips, etc... Voice disorders therefore concern problems of the larynx.
Who is The Lary Project for?
- Anyone with a voice problem
- Employers, colleagues, friends and family of people with voice problems.
What disorders does The LARY Project cover?
Any disorder affecting the voice. Our priority are those with long term disorders affecting the voice but people with acute (short term) problems may also find support here.
A comprehensive list of voice disorders can be found at: www.voiceproblem.org/disorders/
How many people are affected by voice disorders in the UK?
There are no clear cut figures for the United Kingdom but based on the 7.5 million recorded sufferers in the USA, we can estimate 1.5 million.
What are some of the problems faced by people with voice disorders?
Physical problems can include:
- Hoarse voice
- Voice fatigue
- Throat pain
- Throat clearing/sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Breathlessness
- Unreliable voice
- Vocal strain
- Swallowing problems
- Voice projection problems
It is important to understand that with voice problems the issue sometimes isn’t “just” the sound of voice. In some cases the sound of the voice may be a relatively minor worry, the real difficulty may come from things such as breathlessness or pain.
Lifestyle challenges can include:
- Mental health problems
- Isolation
- Communication problems
- Career challenges – the voice is key to many careers although appropriate adjustments in the workplace can reduce the impact of a voice impairment.
- Lack of understanding of the effects of a voice problem from others
- Difficulty in expression - singing, acting, socialising.
How can I contact people on this website?
Sign up to our social network at www.voiceproblemsupport.com and meet others with voice problems. If you are interested in meeting others with voice problems face to face and understanding more about treatment options, voice therapy, plus lots more besides, find out about our support groups by emailing meetings [at] lary.org.uk
Any other questions? Email: info [at] lary.org.uk
