Patients with voice disorder in the family Cover Image

Pacjent z zaburzeniami głosu w rodzinie
Patients with voice disorder in the family

Author(s): Monika Kaźmierczak
Subject(s): History, Social Sciences, Education, Sociology, Social history
Published by: Zakład Historii Edukacji w Instytucie Pedagogiki Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
Keywords: logopedic; interpersonal communication; voice disorders; family; quality of life

Summary/Abstract: It is a common assumption that the speech therapist specializes in speech disorders, including articulation. However, patients often visit their offices with the demand of voice disorders before, during, or after phoniatric treatment. The main motivation isto improve the quality of communication at work or with the immediate environment, and ultimately also to enhance the quality and comfort of life. Among the causes of voice disorders we can name physical stress, regardless of age and psychosocial burden, which especially affect adults who use the voice professionally. Often voice disorders are diagnosed with children already in preschool and in early school age, among youths and students, as well as with mature people or in senior age. Therefore, patients with voice disorders may be any family member. The aim of the comprehensive treatment of voice disorders is to restore the patient’s voice organ to a state which will enable him possibility to realize his social, emotional and professional needs. This objective is in line with world standards, determined by the definition of health, which also takes into account changes in the mental and social life of the patient, improving the quality of human life (Quality of Life – QoL). Therefore, during the elimination of voice disorders it is essential to be aware of voice hygiene (including a good atmosphere at home and at work, dealing with stress, proper conditions in the environment, as appropriate humidity, temperature and air quality) as well as logopedics-phoniatrics rehabilitation, including both exercise techniques of the voice (relaxation, breathing, phonation and articulation exercises), as well as breathing--phonation-articulating coordination. The effectiveness of therapy largely depends on the patient's daily activity, including the awareness and involvement of the entire family – which significantly affect patient’s positive motivation to participate in treatment and their willingness to make the necessary changes in their lives.

  • Issue Year: XVI/2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 331-344
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English, Polish