Voice Disorders

Our voices are the incredible product of vibrations that resonate over muscles and tissues within the larynx (voice box) to produce sounds. When we speak, air from the lungs vibrates these fold-like tissues, creating sound. The pitch, volume, and tone of your voice are all determined by the size, shape, and tension of these vocal folds. Illnesses or conditions that affect these folds can alter these characteristics, impacting the quality of your voice.

Voice disorders occur when there is a problem with the pitch, volume, tone, or quality of the sound produced by the vocal folds. Common symptoms indicating vocal damage can include:

• A hoarse, raspy, or weak voice
• Reduced range in pitch, volume, or projection
• Vocal fatigue after speaking
• Shortness of breath while talking
• Persistent coughing or sore throat
• Frequent throat clearing
• Losing your voice

Voice disorders are relatively common, affecting roughly 7.5 million people in the US today. While voice disorders can affect anyone, certain individuals are at a higher risk due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or occupational demands.

Several types of voice disorders can impact how your voice sounds and functions. Some of the most common include:

• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the vocal folds, often the result of overuse.

• Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Excessive muscle strain during vocal use, leading to discomfort and altered quality.

• Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, or Cysts: These growths can form on the vocal cords due to overuse or irritation.

• Precancerous or Cancerous Lesions: Abnormal growths on the vocal cords that require medical attention.
• Vocal Cord Swelling, Paralysis, or Weakness: Conditions that affect the normal movement and function of the vocal cords.

All these disorders can vary in severity, but all can impact your ability to speak clearly and comfortably.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing voice disorders, including:

• Acid reflux
• Aging
• Allergies
• Consistent use of alcohol or caffeine
• Frequent colds or upper respiratory infections
• Scarring from surgery or trauma to the neck
• Yelling or screaming
• Smoking
• Tumors in the throat
• Overusing your voice

Maintaining good vocal health involves several practices to protect and care for your vocal folds:

• Use your voice at a comfortable pitch and volume, and avoid yelling or speaking too loudly.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal folds moist, especially if you speak frequently.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol as these substances can dehydrate your throat, increasing the risk of vocal strain.
• If you feel vocal strain or fatigue, take breaks and rest your voice to prevent long-term damage.
• Practice good vocal hygiene by warming up your voice before using it extensively. Avoid throat clearing, which can irritate the vocal folds.

Treatment for voice disorders depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In cases where infection or inflammation is the cause, medications may be used to reduce swelling or inflammation.

Surgery may be needed for structural issues like nodules, polyps, and cysts to remove the growths and restore normal vocal function. Still, in other cases, working with a speech-language pathologist can help you retrain your voice, improve your vocal technique, and reduce strain. No matter what type of treatment is needed, Pinnacle ENT provides comprehensive care and support throughout your recovery process.