Written by: Roselyn Mathew / Voice / April 13, 2022 / 8 minutes read

Voice is produced by the vibration of vocal folds. The vocal folds are 2 bands of muscular tissue that are situated in the voice box or larynx. The vibrations of the vocal folds change the streams of air from the lungs to voice. In ideal speaking situations, this process is appropriate and the vocal folds stay healthy. But in non-ideal situations like vocal abuse and vocal misuse, the vocal folds are not healthy and this causes voice disorders.

Vocal abuse means straining the vocal folds by doing unhealthy behaviours like excessive talking, forceful coughing, throat clearing, yelling and screaming etc. These behaviours are not healthy for the vocal folds which may result in a voice disorder.

Vocal misuse means non- ideal use of the vocal folds like talking loudly or speaking in an inappropriate pitch. These behaviours do not result in ideal voice production and can cause damage when continued.

The symptoms of vocal and abuse and misuse start from mild and keep increasing over time. These symptoms may go unnoticed in the initial phase. Some common symptoms are:

• Difficulty changing pitch

• Raspy or hoarse voice

• Frequent urge to cough

• Losing voice while speaking and singing

• Feeling of having a lump in the throat

• Tiredness in voice

• Throat pain

• Feeling fatigued after speaking for some

• Taking more effort to speak

Continuing inappropriate vocal behaviours can result in loss of voice. Some common voice disorders are:

1. Vocal fold nodules

   • They are small callous like benign growths on the vocal folds. This is the most common voice disorder caused by vocal abuse or misuse. They can either form on one vocal fold or both vocal folds. Nodules are formed in the area that has the maximum pressure. These are most commonly found in singers and are also called singer’s nodules.

2. Vocal fold polyps

   • They are also known as Reinke’s edema or Polypoid degeneration. These are also growths on the vocal folds but unlike the callous like nodules, they look like a blister or are a thin long growth. Polyps are generally bigger than nodules. They are usually seen on only one vocal fold. Polyps are generally seen in individuals with long term vocal abuse/misuse, hypothyroidism, smoking and gastroesophageal reflux.

3. Laryngitis

   • Laryngitis is the swelling of vocal folds. Other than vocal/abuse or misuse, it also can be caused due to bacterial or viral infections, inhalation of irritants or chemicals and gastrointestinal reflux.

4. Contact ulcers

   • These are caused by a forceful contact of the vocal folds when they push hard against each other. This could be the result of yelling or screaming. These causes painful sores which appear on the muscles and tissues that are responsible to bring the vocal folds together. These can also be seen in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux. Individuals with contact ulcers have pain while speaking and tire their voices after speaking for a short span of time. Contact ulcers are the least common type of voice disorder caused by vocal abuse/misuse.

Professional voice users are those individuals whose voice are essential for their jobs. Some examples of professional voice users are singers, actors, teachers, telemarketers, broadcast personalities, courtroom attorneys, receptionists etc. They have the greatest risk of developing voice disorders as they are required to use their voice extensively. Furthermore, a voice disorder creates the greatest impact on them as they cannot work without a good voice. Hence, it is very important for professional voice users to take care of their voice and see that they are not abusing or misusing their vocal folds while producing voice.

Vocal hygiene involving following good practices to maintain healthy vocal folds and avoiding behaviours or practices that harm the vocal folds. They have been found to be extremely helpful in preventing voice disorders. These are:

• v  Adequate hydration. Drink plenty of water. Have water in small amounts throughout the day. Make sure to drink extra water if any medication that causes dryness is being taken.

• Avoid smoking or drinking

• Limit intake of tea, coffee or other substances that dry vocal folds

• Avoid inhaling dry air as much as possible and use a vaporizer or humidifier in the room if there is dryness.

• Avoid talking while exercising especially while lifting weights

• Avoid smoky and dusty areas

• Avoid excessive talking, loud talking and singing, and screaming. Use an amplifier if you need to speak to groups of people.

• Avoid speaking in usual pitches

• Avoid throat clearing as much as possible. Have a hard swallow forced air exhalation instead.

• Avoid mouth breathing

• Have adequate voice rest when there is a cold or upper respiratory infection

• Avoid talking in noisy places as this could result in loud talking.

• Avoid eating oily or spicy food.

• Avoid eating or drinking too hot or cold food or drinks.

• Have a good posture and adequate breath support while speaking

Having a good voice is essential for everyone. Having a voice disorder disrupts communication which could affect both our social and professional life. Hence, it is important to follow good vocal practices and to consult a Speech Language Pathologist if a voice disorder is suspected. 

To speak with one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.