The famed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote that "The human voice is the organ of the soul." Yet everyday, thousands of Americans mistreat this valuable tool of communication through abuse by alcohol and tobacco, or speaking too loudly, or with an inappropriate pitch.

World Voice Day, celebrated on April 16, is a health observance day advocated across the globe by physician specialists who treat the medical disorders that affect voice quality and allied health providers who teach voice preservation and rehabilitation for damaged voices.

Otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeons encourage all to assess their voice habits and adopt measures to save this "organ of the soul."

Learn more about your voice and when to seek treatment for common voice disorders by reading these fact sheets:

About Your Voice

Laryngeal Cancer

Maintaining a Healthy Voice

Common Voice Disorders
 
Hoarseness