Vocal abuse

Vocal abuse is misuse of the voice such that it causes damage to the structures involved in speech - as distinct from verbal abuse which is damaging to another individual.

It is quite a common cause of aphonia, especially in professions where the voice is used a great deal under stressful circumstances, such as teaching.

Other aetiological factors include smoking and spirits.

Treatment is by speech therapist training of the proper use of the voice, movement into a better environment - for example one without cigarette smoke, etc.