Treatment of Voice Hyperfunction in the Pre-Adolescent

Abstract

Children with hyperfunctional voice disorders may respond readily to behavioral voice therapy based on education, voice conservation strategies, direct vocal function exercises, family and peer support, and relaxation. Treatment programs may take a variety of forms, but always rely on the successful integration of healthy respiration, phonation, and vocal tract resonance to achieve improved phonatory quality without vocal strain. Young clients are remarkably adept at recognizing and modifying maladaptive or abusive voice patterns, especially when combined with well-monitored diary charting and reward systems.