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Fact Sheet: You & Your Voice
| What is voice?
“Voice”
is the sound made by vibration of the vocal cords caused by air passing
out through the larynx bringing the cords closer together. Your
voice is an extremely valuable resource and is the most commonly used form
of communication. Our voice is invaluable for both our social interaction
as well as for most people’s occupation. Proper care and use of your voice
improves the likelihood of having a healthy voice for your entire
lifetime.
How do I know if I have a voice
problem?
Voice problems
occur with a change in the voice, often described as hoarseness,
roughness, or a raspy quality. People with voice problems often complain
about or notice changes in pitch, loss of voice, loss of endurance, and
sometimes a sharp or dull pain associated with voice use. Other voice
problems may accompany a change in singing ability that is most notable in
the upper singing range. A more serious problem is indicated by spitting
up blood or when blood is present in the mucus. These require prompt
attention by an otolaryngologist |
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What is the most common cause of a change in your
voice?
Voice changes sometimes follow an upper respiratory infection
lasting up to two weeks. Typically the upper respiratory infection or cold
causes swelling of the vocal cords and changes their vibration resulting in an
abnormal voice. Reduced voice use (voice rest) typically improves the voice
after an upper respiratory infection, cold, or bronchitis. If voice does not
return to its normal characteristics and capabilities within two to four weeks
after a cold, a medical evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist is
recommended. A throat examination after a change in the voice lasting longer
than one month is especially important for smokers. (Note: A change in voice is
one of the first and most important symptoms of throat cancer. Early detection
significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.)
Six tips to
identify voice problems
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you have
an unhealthy voice:
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Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
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Does your throat often feel
raw, achy, or strained?
* Does talking require more
effort?
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Do you find yourself repeatedly clearing your
throat?
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Do people regularly ask you if you have a cold when in fact you do
not?
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Have you lost your ability to hit some high notes when
singing? |
A wide range of problems can lead to changes in your
voice. Seek out a physician’s care when voice problems persist.
Hoarseness
or roughness in your voice is often caused by a medical problem. Contact an
otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon if you have any sustained changes to your
voice.
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
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