Voice problems come in many forms. Sometimes children or adults have poor breath support due to congenital problems. Sometimes speech/language pathologists treat vocal cord paralysis. But the most frequently occurring voice disorder in the schools comes from vocal abuse.
Vocal abuse is exactly what it sounds like. It's a disorder that happens when children or adults don't use their voices correctly. When we abuse our voices too often, we may develop vocal nodules. These are like little bumps or blisters that form on the vocal cords. Vocal nodules are typically benign lesions, but they could cause us to sound like we have permanent laryngitis! Vocal nodules can cause us to sound hoarse or breathy. When we abuse our voices, people don't enjoy listening to us. Our voices just don't sound that pleasant.
If you suspect that your child has a hoarse voice because he or she is abusing it, you can contact me. But a speech/language pathologist must obtain medical clearance to treat anyone with a voice disorder.
So I'll ask you to see your pediatrician, your family practitioner, or an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Click on "Good Voice Behaviors" in the left-hand column to learn tips on taking care of your and your children's voices.