Final answer:
The major types of vocal dysfunction are Functional Dysphonia, Organic Dysphonia, Neurogenic Dysphonia, and Psychogenic Dysphonia. These conditions affect the vocal cords and can result from improper voice use, anatomical changes, nerve or brain disorders, or psychological factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Types of Vocal Dysfunction
People produce sound by pushing air through their lungs and into the elastic folds in the throat known as vocal cords. Different types of vocal dysfunction can occur when these structures or the process of sound production are affected. The major types of vocal dysfunction include:
- Functional Dysphonia—Where there is no organic cause, but voice use is impaired due to improper or inefficient use of the vocal mechanism.
- Organic Dysphonia—Caused by an anatomical or physiological change in the vocal tract, such as nodules or polyps on the vocal cords.
- Neurogenic Dysphonia—Resulting from disorders that affect the nerves or brain areas responsible for voice production, such as Parkinson's disease or vocal cord paralysis.
- Psychogenic Dysphonia—Where the voice disorder originates from psychological factors, which may manifest as vocal symptoms without a physical basis.
Psychogenic Voice Therapy is a specific kind of treatment focused on the psychological aspects of voice disorders, often integrated with other voice therapy techniques to address the various types of dysfunction.