Vocal abuse is misuse of the voice such that it causes damage to the structures involved in speech - as distinct from verbal abuse which is damaging to another individual.
It is quite a common cause of aphonia, especially in professions where the voice is used a great deal under stressful circumstances, such as teaching.
Other aetiological factors include smoking and spirits.
Treatment is by speech therapist training of the proper use of the voice, movement into a better environment - for example one without cigarette smoke, etc.
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