How do voice disorders affect quality of life?

Voice disorders generally do not dramatically affect quality of life. In most cases, these conditions are reversible when their underlying causes are addressed. Instances in which voice disorders may affect quality of life include cases of throat cancer and cases in which invasive surgery is required to remove abnormal growths. Vocal weakness or paralysis, often the result of neurological conditions or certain cancers, can also have long-term effects on quality of life. The voice is an integral part of human communication and language; without it, people have to learn alternate communication techniques to compensate for their loss.