What is Vocal Abuse vs. Misuse?
Most individuals experience vocal misuse/abuse at some point during their life. Little knowledge is known about its damaging effects and people often continue to misuse/abuse their voice without recognizing it (Eisenbeis & Fuller, 2008). Frequent vocal abuse or misuse can cause lasting and damaging effects to the vocal folds causing permanent changes in vocal function, voice quality, and possible loss of voice. Abuse/misuse can lead to laryngitis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, and contact ulcers (NIDCD, 1999).
The Difference
Human Vocal Folds
Vocal abuse is any normal vocal behavior used in excess leading to vocal fold injury. This may include excessive talking, throat clearing, coughing, inhaling irritants, smoking, screaming, or yelling (Zapienza & Hoffman Ruddy, 2009).
Vocal misuse is abnormal vocal behavior that causes stress or injury to the vocal folds. This may include speaking/singing too loudly or at an abnormally high or low pitch (Zapienza & Hoffman Ruddy, 2009).
Vocal abuse and misuse are commonly used to refer to behaviors that could result in trauma to the larynx and vocal folds (Zapienza & Hoffman Ruddy, 2009). Over the course of time, these terms have been designated as inappropriate because of their negative connotations that may impact the course of treatment. Because individuals are often unaware they are causing damage to their voice it is more appropriate to use the term phonotrauma, which has been accepted as a more neutral term when describing vocal misuse/abuse (Zapienza & Hoffman Ruddy, 2009).
Eisenbeis, J.F. and Fuller, D.P. (2008). Voice Disorders: Abuse, misuse, and functional problems. Missouri Medicine, 105 (3), 240-243.
NIDCD. (1999). "Disorder of Vocal Abuse and Misuse."
Sapienza, C., & Hoffman Ruddy, B. (2009). Vocal Health. Voice Disorders (pp. 89 – 105).San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
NIDCD. (1999). "Disorder of Vocal Abuse and Misuse."
Sapienza, C., & Hoffman Ruddy, B. (2009). Vocal Health. Voice Disorders (pp. 89 – 105).San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.