1. My friend who is 20 years old speaks with a girlish/ high pitched voice. Can he be helped?

There is a significant downward shift in vocal pitch of males around puberty. However, some of them do not adapt to this change and continue to speak in a high-pitched voice. This condition, known as Puberphonia, can easily be corrected with voice therapy.

2. I am a School Teacher. By the end of the working day, my voice is hoarse and I am barely audible. What should I do?

You seem to be exhibiting symptoms of voice abuse. Certain professionals like singers, teachers and public speakers are more likely to show such symptoms. The vocal folds, which are delicate structures found in the larynx (voice box) are prone to damage when not used properly. A Speech Language Pathologist can help such persons improve their voice by using therapy techniques, which help to minimize vocal abuse. Sometimes, surgical intervention may also be required to remove vocal nodules (growths on the vocal folds), if any.

3. My grandfather has undergone surgery for cancer of the larynx. Since his voice box has been removed, will he be able to talk again?

Laryngectomy, which is the surgical removal of larynx, can be devastating for the patient and the family. Pre-surgical counseling by a team of professionals including a Speech Pathologist can help minimize the trauma. There are several alternatives to laryngeal speech, such as esophageal speech, speaking with artificial larynx and tracheo-esophageal puncture, which help the patient speak. The patient and the clinician decide the choice of the technique jointly.

4. I am a software professional and I need to make technical presentations frequently. I feel my voice is not impressive. Can I improve my voice?

Yes, One can improve one's voice. A Speech Language Pathologist can help you use your voice optimally by finding the suitable pitch, improving your voice quality and help you project your voice better. However, there are limitations imposed by one's anatomy. We would like to add here that voice is one aspect of communication. We have modules to help you improve your overall communication skills by improving your pronunciation, speech rhythm, body language, and language use.

5. I know of a woman who lost her voice suddenly, but can laugh and cough normally. What could be the problem?

From your description, the woman appears to be having functional aphonia (i.e., loss of voice in the absence of any anatomical defect in the voice box). Such persons can be helped to regain voice, by voice therapy and counseling. However, an ENT surgeon has to examine the person before voice therapy can be initiated. There are also other conditions such as paralysis of the vocal folds and severe throat infection, which lead to loss of voice.