Do voice disorders run in families?

Voice disorders are not inherited conditions; instead, they are conditions that result from misuse of the voice or from certain underlying illnesses. Rare exceptions to this rule include cases in which voice disorders are the result of inherited illnesses such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, which can cause weakness or paralysis or the vocal chords and, subsequently, voice disorders. The vast majority of voice disorders develop as a result of vocal irritation (smoking and vocal strain) or infection and can be resolved when their causes are addressed.