The sound of children and teenagers laughing, shouting, singing and making noises with their friends is one of the most joyous sounds a parent or caregiver can hear. Extended use or misuse of the voice, however, can lead to unwanted or atypical changes in voice quality or a voice disorder. A voice disorder can impact a child socially, academically and emotionally, as it can change the way others perceive them and makes communication more difficult and effortful.
Use the tips below in your child’s daily life to reduce their chances of developing a voice disorder.
5 tips for maintaining a healthy voice
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Stay hydrated
When the body is hydrated, so are the vocal cords (also called vocal folds). Dry vocal folds are more prone to developing bumps or lesions called nodules, so ensure your child is sipping plenty of water throughout the day, especially if they are playing sports or running around shouting to their friends and losing water through sweat.
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Be a good vocal role model
Shouting to others from across the home, having the TV or music volume excessively turned up, and having more than four individuals living in the same home have all been identified as risk factors for children developing a voice disorder. Try moving to the same room or to a quieter space with someone before speaking, reducing noisy environments in the home where possible and monitoring your own speaking volume to encourage your child to follow your healthy vocal example.
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Monitor volume during phone conversations and online gaming
Talking with others on the phone or while playing online video games are common activities where children and teens may unnecessarily and often unknowingly raise or misuse their voice. Listen for excessive loudness or a change in their vocal quality during these activities and advise them to monitor their own vocal habits to promote self-awareness and prevent habitual misuse.
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Find time for daily voice-off activities
If your child loves to tell long, detailed stories, the last thing you want to do is shut them down or discourage them from sharing their ideas. However, setting aside intentional time during the day for quiet activities – like reading, watching a movie, or doing a puzzle – can give them some much-needed vocal rest and prevent changes or disorders related to overuse.
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Avoid irritants
Vocal irritants are everywhere: aerosol sprays, harsh cleaning chemicals, car exhaust, secondhand smoke, menthol cough drops, antihistamines, dust, pollen and dry air from central heating and air conditioning are just a few examples. While they typically do not have an adverse effect on the voice on their own, when combined with vocal overuse or misuse they can make a borderline issue into a full-blown voice disorder. Reducing exposure to substances that dry or irritate the voice and maintaining a home humidity level between 30% and 50% can set your child up for vocal success.
Is it a voice disorder?
If your child’s voice becomes rough, breathy, strained, weak or noticeably different for an extended period of time, talking to a pediatrician is always a good first step. They may refer you to an ENT doctor (also called an otolaryngologist) or a speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice and upper airway disorders for further evaluation. Based on the results of a comprehensive assessment, voice therapy may be recommended. Treatment for voice disorders usually involves teaching a child techniques and exercises to improve their vocal quality, as well as strategies for modifying their environment in ways that set their voice up for long-term healing and maintenance.
A healthy voice is easy to take for granted – we rely on our voices to meet our essential needs, share our thoughts and feelings and engage socially with our loved ones every day. Encouraging children and teens to be aware of their vocal habits, reducing environmental risk factors and seeking professional help if an issue is suspected are best practice for parents and caregivers when it comes to lifelong vocal health.
Joseph Nicol, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with clinical specialties in voice and upper airway disorders, fluency disorders and gender-affirming voice and communication care. He practices in the Outpatient Speech department at TLC – The Treatment and Learning Centers in Rockville, Maryland and is licensed to practice in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.
