How many?
1.5 million in the UK, 7.5 million in the USA and 150 million people worldwide have voice disorders (estimates). To date, however, there has been no large-scale organisation to support and represent them. It is for this reason The Lary Project was created.
Not “just” a sore throat or a hoarse voice
Studies show the negative impact of certain voice disorders on quality of life can be similar to life threatening conditions such as stroke and cancer.
Impact on work
People with speech impediments (the disability category that voice disorders come under) have among the lowest employment levels – only 19% in the UK.
Something affecting the many not just the few
Approximately 1 in 40 people experience some form of long term voice problem during their lives. However, incredibly, 30% of people suffer with some kind of voice problem during their lifetime.
An expensive problem
- Studies indicate around 5 million people in the UK could be routinely affected by voice loss each year costing the UK economy more than £200 million annually.
- The cost of voice disorders to the teaching profession in the USA alone is estimated at $2.5 billion.
