Pediatric Voice Program
If your child's voice is raspy or weak, it can have an emotional impact and may affect social development, school performance and self-esteem.
The Pediatric Voice Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with complex voice problems. If your child is at least 3 years old and has a voice problem — such as vocal cord paralysis, chronic laryngitis or a functional voice disorder — they may be a candidate for care in our program.
In addition to their medical expertise, our team members are musicians, performers, a children’s theater director and a vocal coach. They understand the emotional toll of a voice disorder and work with children and families in a nurturing environment to correct the problem.
How we serve you
Our evaluation includes listening to and recording your child's voice as they do several vocal exercises. We also may take a look into their larynx and airway (laryngoscopy) to see if there are growths or other physical damage. The findings will guide our individualized treatment plan for your child.
Conditions we treat
Voice problems can be present at birth (congenital) or develop due to illness, injury or overuse. Here are the voice conditions we see most often:
- Chronic laryngitis
- Functional dysphonia
- Laryngeal web
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Professional voice disorders
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Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis - Unilateral vocal cord paralysis
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Vocal cord cysts - Vocal cord dysfunction
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Vocal cord nodules -
Vocal cord polyps - Vocal cord scarring
Why choose CHOP's Pediatric Voice Program
The Voice Program at CHOP is the only pediatric voice clinic serving the greater Philadelphia area and one of only a few programs nationwide that is dedicated to comprehensive voice treatment for children.
Meet your team
We offer a team approach to care, one that involves the expertise of dedicated pediatric otolaryngologists, advanced practice nurses, voice therapists and a voice research scientist.
Our locations
You can visit the Pediatric Voice Program at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care on our Philadelphia campus.
Our research
The Pediatric Voice Program team is involved in researching and developing new methods for diagnosing and treating children with voice disorders. Our aim is to apply evidence-based research in our care whenever possible.
Pediatric Voice Program resources
We have created resources to help you find answers to your questions about voice disorders and feel confident with the care you are providing your child.
Patient stories
What to expect at your Pediatric Voice Program appointment
Our thorough exam and evaluation of your child requires two to three hours. Here's how you can prepare your child so they know what to expect.
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