Reported estimates that 10 percent of the population experiences a voice disorder at some point in time and as much as 40 percent of those cases may be experienced by teachers, preachers, professional voice users and speakers. Many will need voice therapy for MTD Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Often it is caused by excess or lack of tension in the vocal cords.
Those who have MTD muscle tension dysphonia may also have emotional tension, which can follow episodes of colds, laryngitis and chronic fatigue.
What are the Symptoms of MTD Muscle Tension Dysphonia
With MTD the voice may undergo a drastic change. One with MTD muscle tension dysphonia can experience pain when speaking, lose the abiltity to use the voice entirely, or develop hoarseness or gruffness. The voice pitch may go higher or lower.
MTD Muscle Tension Dysphonia Other Names
It has also been referred to as a "functional dysphonia." That means the vocal cords are not working correctly. Often there are no growths or neurological problems. If there is excess tension in the vocal cords or voice box, it can cause pain when speaking or the voice may may become whispered.
MTD Muscle Tension Dysphonia is treatable by a knowledgeable voice therapist who has difinitive experience working with problems that affect the larynx or the voice box. He or she will provide the voice therapy MTD muscle tension dysphonia and work closely with Ear Nose and Throat Specialists.
What does a Voice Therapist Do to Treat Muscle Tension Dysphonia
To treat MTD muscle tension dysphonia with voice therapy, the therapist must closely observe how the individual is speaking and judge if there is too much/too little muscle tension. He must evaluate the pitch of the voice and its quality. Part of the assessment includes breath support, breathing, and efficiency. The individual's pitch range is also measured. Techniques are also used to "find" the normal speaking voice.
What You Should Do if You Suspect MTD
1. Seek out ENT Consultation to rule out vocal cord disease or growths on the cords.
2. If there is no disease or logical medical reason other than vocal tension, one should be seen by a speech language pathologist or voice therapist who specializes in the voice and voice therapy. He/she will determine what you are doing that may be contributing to the problem and develop a treatment plan to return your voice to normal.
Questions? Contact me: talkwithmark1@gmail.com and we can help you get your voice back to the way it should sound. Or click here: 1 on 1 with a Speech-Voice Therapist to get help for your voice now.
