What is Vocal Hyperfunction?
Vocal hyperfunction disorder occurs when an individual is exerting too much muscle force and too much physical effort during speaking, resulting in damage to the vocal cords. It is often caused by vocal abuse and misuse which include behaviors such as excessive yelling, excessive throat clearing or coughing, speaking in environments with a lot of background noise, lack of hydration, and any other behaviors that can put extra strain on the vocal folds. Sometimes vocal hyperfunction is not caused by vocal abuse or misuse but rather is the secondary effect of an underlying medical condition. Vocal hyperfunction is usually characterized by excessive visible tension while speaking, as well as persisting hoarseness. Other symptoms are discussed later (Boone, 2010).
Vocal hyperfunction disorder occurs when an individual is exerting too much muscle force and too much physical effort during speaking, resulting in damage to the vocal cords. It is often caused by vocal abuse and misuse which include behaviors such as excessive yelling, excessive throat clearing or coughing, speaking in environments with a lot of background noise, lack of hydration, and any other behaviors that can put extra strain on the vocal folds. Sometimes vocal hyperfunction is not caused by vocal abuse or misuse but rather is the secondary effect of an underlying medical condition. Vocal hyperfunction is usually characterized by excessive visible tension while speaking, as well as persisting hoarseness. Other symptoms are discussed later (Boone, 2010).