Organic vs Functional Voice Disorders

Question 1

What is the definition of an Organic Voice Disorder

Answer 1

“An organic voice disorder refers to an aphonia or dysphonia due to mass lesions, structural changes to the vocal folds or cartilaginous structures, or interruption to the neurological innervations of the laryngeal mechanism” Baker, 2007

An organic disorder will have an aetiology (cause) that is unrelated to the ways in which the voice has been used

Question 2

Are organic disorders only present at birth?

Answer 2

No - organic disorders may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (at any age through trauma or physical disorders)

Question 3

How can a Functional Voice disorder lead to becoming an organic voice disorder

Answer 3

Vocal behaviours such can affect the vocal tact e.g. a functional voice disorder can lead to an organic disorder

Question 4

What is the definition of a Functional voice disorder

Answer 4

A functional voice disorder is where no vocal changes will occur, there is normal anatomy and physiology but the function has changed - however functional disorders can lead to an organic disorder

Question 5

What are some of the causes / characteristics of a functional voice disorder

Answer 5

• Misuse: e.g. speaking at a too high a pitch (can also be a compensatory strategy for an organic problem)
• Abuse e.g. excessive alcohol intake
• Somatisation of stress: similar to migraines, IBS etc.
• Psychogenic- known in the past as ‘hysterical’ conversation dysphonia/aphonia - links to FND