Phoniatrics or phoniatry is the
study and treatment of
organs involved in
speech production, mainly the
mouth, throat (
larynx),
vocal cords
In humans, vocal cords, also known as vocal folds or voice reeds, are folds of throat tissues that are key in creating sounds through vocalization. The size of vocal cords affects the pitch of voice. Open when breathing and vibrating for speec ...
, and
lungs. Problems treated in phoniatrics include dysfunction of the vocal cords, cancer of the vocal cords or larynx, inability to control the speech organs properly (
speech disorder
Speech disorders or speech impairments are a type of communication disorder in which normal speech is disrupted. This can mean stuttering, lisps, etc. Someone who is unable to speak due to a speech disorder is considered mute. Speech skills ...
s), and
vocal loading Vocal loading is the stress inflicted on the speech organs when speaking for long periods.
Background
Of the working population, about 13% have professions where their voice is their primary tool. That includes professions such as teachers, sales ...
problems.
According to the Union of European Phoniatricians, phoniatrics is "the medical specialty dealing with voice, speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders".
References
External links
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Medical terminology
Medical specialties
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