RRP Foundation Voice Web Page
By Julie L. Bowne, M.S., CCC-SLP, RRPF Voice Advisor
What is Voice?
Voice is the sound produced by using the lungs and larynx ("voice box"). The air is pushed through the vocal folds, setting them into vibration to produce voice. Voice is very unique for every person. It contributes heavily to how people view an individual's personality and mood. Although someone can have normal articulation or "speech" skills, he or she might have difficulty communicating if his or her voice is disordered. Disorders of the voice include perceived problems with pitch, loudness, and/or quality. Pitch refers to how high or deep someone talks. When someone sees a thin female, the expectation is that her voice will be somewhat high in pitch. Loudness is the volume or amplitude of voice, whereas quality is the character or attributes associated with the voice. Typical terms used when describing disorders of quality include hoarse, rough, tense/pressed, squeaky, or gravely. Voice disorders can result from allergies, reflux, vocal misuse/overuse, injuries, viruses, or cancer. The following link highlights the anatomy and physiology of voice and the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist, as related to Recurrent Respiratory Papilloma.