Dysphonia

vocal fold scarring audio file (Article)
This audio clip is of a music teacher with scarring of the vocal fold, residual to surgical removal of a vocal fold polyp without adequate post-operative care instructions. Notice how the breathy, strained quality sounds similar to nodules or some other lesion of the vocal folds, reminding us that it is imperative to have a laryngeal examination before trying to treat, or work with, a voice that is obviously disorderd. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

vocal fold scar pitch glides audio file (Article)
This audio clip is of a music teacher with scarring of the vocal fold, residual to surgical removal of a vocal fold polyp without adequate post-operative care instructions. Notice how the breathy, strained quality sounds similar to nodules or some other lesion of the vocal folds, especially with the loss of higher pitches. This reminds us that it is imperative to have a laryngeal examination before trying to treat, or work with, a voice that is obviously disorderd. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Breathy/Paralysis voice sample (Article)
This short audio clip is of a middle-aged woman with a vocal fold paralysis. The definition of breathiness is turbulence noise of air escaping through the incompletely closed glottis. This is clearly heard in this sample. You can also hear that she runs out of breath quickly. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

breathy/vascular lesion voice sample (Article)
This short audio clip is of a high school aged female singer with a vascular (blood filled) lesion of the right vocal fold. The vocal fold is also irregular, swollen and stiff, and therefore does not vibrate well. Because of the irregularity of the vibratory margin of the vocal fold, the glottis does not close completely. The definition of breathiness is turbulence noise of air escaping through the incompletely closed glottis. This can be heard in this sample. You can also hear that she runs out of breath quickly. However, the breathiness is not as severe or apparent as it is in the breathy/paralysis clip. One could think that she is simply using a breathy style in the context of the song, or that she is young and needs to "focus" or "support" the tone. In fact, however, the vocal fold is badly damaged. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

subharmonic/pressed voice voice sample (Article)
This short audio clip is of an adult male professional singer with a complaint of noise in his voice. The listener can hear the mild roughness in the quality. In this case, the laryngeal exam showed there was no lesion, but the vocal folds were "pressed" during phonation; that is, the closed phase of the vibratory cycle was long, and impact of the vocal folds was high. Also, the ventricular folds squeezed together somewhat when the tone became more rough. The resulting quality is known as strain. The "buzzy" quality is the result of a subharmonic, an irregular vibration at a frequency that is lower than the fundamental frequency of vibration. (Remember that the fundamental frequency provides the pitch.) The subharmonic is generated because of the irregular and asymmetrical pressure at the glottis. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

polyp voice sample (Article)
This short audio clip is of an adult male with a vocal fold polyp. The polyp results in irregular vocal fold vibration that results in the perception of roughness. See also the video clip of the same lesion. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Voice Problems (Article)
This webpage provides basic information about a wide variety of voice disorders, and also helps the reader determine if he or she may have a voice disorder. The last part of the page provides information about the process of evaluation and treatment, but the reader is warned that it is specific to the Lions Voice Clinic. This portion unfortunately cannot be separated from the first sections. It is, however, information that is similar across clinics across the country. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Neurological Problems of the Voice (Article)
Neurological voice disorders are due to abnormalities of the brain and/or the nerves of the body that impair control of the muscles. The more common neurological diseases discussed are strokes, Parkinson's, spasmodic dysphonia, benign essential tremor, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Indications for Surgery in Singers (Article)
When selected nonsurgical treatments fail and when a patient remains sufficiently symptomatic to warrant the surgical risks in the opinion of the patient, voice therapist, and laryngologist, meticulous microsurgery usually results in voice improvement. Many abnormalities, as detailed, in the article, do require surgery. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

How Can Voice Teachers Help Students Who are Considering Vocal Fold Surgery? (Article)
The article addresses the several concerns that might confront the singer in vocal fold surgery. Helpful and very informative. (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Dispelling Vocal Myths. Part 3: "Sing OVER Your Cold! (Article)
Continuing the series begun in 2010, Michael aims to clarify misconceptions about vocal production. In this installment Michael and Goding examine some myths and truths about vocal fold swelling, particularly as it pertains to upper respiratory infection (URI). For part one see 66, no. 5 (547-551); part two 67, no. 4 (417-421); part four 69, no. 2 (167-172). (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

Health Promotion and Injury Prevention Education for Student Singers (Article)
Rather than a specific set of guidelines for singers to address injury, the authors explore methods of educating students about this topic through classes and seminars. While they describe several viable approaches, they conclude, "more research is necessary to better understand how voice educators can serve the health needs of singing students.” (posted 2:34 PM, August 27, 2014)

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