Your Voice Matters on World Voice Day on April 16, 2023

You might take your speaking voice for granted, but an estimated 28 million Americans have permanent or temporary vocal problems. Nearly one in ten Americans have issues with their voice. Some of these conditions are rare, complicated, and overlooked.

Dysphonia International, a newly rebranded vocal disorder nonprofit, is spreading the word about voice problems. World Voice Day, April 16, is an opportunity to show that Your Voice Matters. Treatments, therapies, and even some cures are available for many of these conditions, but people don't know what questions to ask or where to direct them.

Dysphonia International, based in Itasca, IL, serves as a clearinghouse for information, connects patients to services and helps with an early diagnosis. The group, formerly known as the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, remains committed to supporting those living with spasmodic dysphonia (SD). SD, a form of laryngeal dystonia, is a neurological disorder that causes the voice to sound broken, choppy, tight, breathy, or weak.

The name change reflects Dysphonia International's goal of serving as an umbrella group which now includes not only SD, but vocal tremor, muscle tension dysphonia, and vocal fold paralysis. Voice problems do not discriminate by age, gender, or geography.

Because SD and many of the other vocal conditions have small constituencies, there's been a dearth of research. The organization's Scientific Advisory Board has been working to change that. Dysphonia International is increasing collaboration among the scientific community to find answers about SD and related voice conditions.

For more information or to support Dysphonia International, a 501(c)3, visit dysphonia.org.