Professional vocalists, especially singers, are the first to seek medical attention if something happens that adversely affects the voice. Treatment is crucial for them because the disorder may prevent a suitable performance or even force cancellation of performances, thereby affecting many other people.

Most commonly, the voice problems of vocal performers are acute “emergencies” caused by upper respiratory infection, such as a cold, or stress-related muscle tension. Vocal performers in theatre, opera, rock, film, tv and radio with even a slight irregularity of voice may have disastrous consequences. The treatment for each condition therefore must be individualized.

Other professional voice users may suffer similar emergencies, but more commonly have chronic or intermittent voice problems. Vocal abuse and misuse syndromes are common in a variety of occupations including teachers, lecturers, lawyers, physicians, clergy, and business professionals… not to mention busy mothers.

Since voice disorders are often multi-factorial, appropriate diagnosis and treatment in each case depends upon identification and correction of all the underlying factors.