1. TYPES OF VOCAL DAMAGE

2. When the vocal folds are at rest, they are open Healthy vocal folds & Laryngitis Like other tissues of the body, vocal tissues can become stressed, strained, develop growths, or suffer trauma.

3. VOCAL FOLD NODULES Caused by vocal abuse Appear on both sides Can be caused by forced singing, Screaming, or incorrect speaking Untreated will not go away May come back With proper care will be gone In 6-12 weeks

4. POLYPS Soft Usually only one Can be caused by vocal abuse, Smoking, or exposure to harmful Chemicals Some go away on their own Most need surgery to remove

5. CONTACT ULCERS Less common Often caused by constant percussive onset Of speech or acid reflux 6 week rest and treatment for acid reflux CANCER Tumors can be cancerous or non Cancerous usually from smoking Non cancerous usually viral Untreated leads to death

6. LARYNGITIS Common Caused by infection or inflammation From abuse or acid reflux May lose voice Usually goes away in a couple of weeks With vocal rest

7. VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS Possible Causes Surgery Neck Trauma Stroke Tumor Infection Sometimes heals itself, may be permanent, surgery possible

8. SYMPTOMS Vary according to vocal disorder Most often person exhibits: Persistent hoarseness Breathy tone in speaking And throat pain TREATMENT Depending on the disorder Acid reflux treatment Vocal rest Surgery