COME April 16, 2024, Mooroopna’s iconic water tower and Shepparton’s Eastbank will glow red in honour of World Voice Day. This global event, driven by the Australian Dysphonia Network (ADN), aims to “Resonate, Educate & Celebrate” the human voice. The illuminations are not just a spectacle, but a beacon to start conversations about voice health, voice loss, or voice changes.
The voice, unlike vision or hearing, is often taken for granted. Most of us have experienced the temporary frustration of losing our voice, perhaps after a hearty karaoke session or cheering at a football game. However, for those suffering from chronic dysphonia, this frustration is a constant reality.
Dysphonia can result from various factors, including damage to the larynx, underlying health conditions, overuse, poor vocal technique, or standalone neurological disorders like Spasmodic Dysphonia. This disorder, likened to an eye twitch but affecting the larynx, can make communication challenging.
With 30 per cent of our society’s occupations being voice-dependent, the impact of dysphonia can be life-altering. The ADN is using World Voice Day to shine light on voice disorders, hoping to foster a better understanding of those affected.
World Voice Day was initiated in Brazil in 1999 and has since gained global momentum. To learn more or donate to ADN, a not-for-profit charity, visit www.adn.org.au
