What are voice disorders?

Voice disorders are conditions that cause abnormal and spontaneous changes in the voice. Laryngitis, vocal nodules, contact ulcers, and vocal polyps are common examples of disorders that can affect the voice. All of these conditions impact the vocal chords (folds of tissue located in the larynx that are responsible for producing the voice). Voice disorders can be caused by infections, inhaled irritants, cancer, or vocal strain from a lot of speaking and yelling.