Voice Disorders

Also called: Vocal disorders

Voice is the sound made by air passing from your lungs through your larynx, or voice box. In your larynx are your vocal cords, two bands of muscle that vibrate to make sound. For most of us, our voices play a big part in who we are, what we do, and how we communicate. Like fingerprints, each person's voice is unique.

Many things we do can injure our vocal cords. Talking too much, screaming, constantly clearing your throat, or smoking can make you hoarse. They can also lead to problems such as nodules, polyps, and sores on the vocal cords. Other causes of voice disorders include infections, upward movement of stomach acids into the throat, growths due to a virus, cancer, and diseases that paralyze the vocal cords.

Signs that your voice isn't healthy include

  • Your voice has become hoarse or raspy
  • You've lost the ability to hit some high notes when singing
  • Your voice suddenly sounds deeper
  • Your throat often feels raw, achy, or strained
  • It's become an effort to talk

Treatment for voice disorders varies depending on the cause. Most voice problems can be successfully treated when diagnosed early.

NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Symptoms of Voice Disorders

The following features are indicative of Voice Disorders:
  • hoarse or raspy voice
  • lost the ability to hit some high notes when singing
  • voice suddenly sounds deeper
  • achy or strained throat
  • take an effort to talk
  • sac-like appearance of the vocal folds
  • stretching of the mucosa
  • shortness of breath
  • tickling sensation and rawness of your throat
  • sore throat
  • dry throat
  • dry cough
It is possible that Voice Disorders shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Voice Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Voice Disorders:
  • upward movement of stomach acids into the throat
  • cancer
  • paralysis of the vocal cords
  • smoking
  • viral infections
  • yelling or overusing your voice
  • diphtheria

Risk Factors for Voice Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Voice Disorders:
  • screaming
  • constantly clearing throat
  • smoking
  • bronchitis
  • sinusitis
  • excessive alcohol intake
  • stomach acid
  • dysphonia
  • Chiari malformation
  • Marfan syndrome
  • workplace chemicals
  • overusing voice
  • exposure to irritating substances

Prevention of Voice Disorders

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Voice Disorders. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
  • limit alcohol and caffeine
  • drink plenty of water
  • avoid eating spicy foods
  • avoid clearing your throat forcefully
  • avoid upper respiratory infections

Occurrence of Voice Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Voice Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Voice Disorders most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

Voice Disorders can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Voice Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Voice Disorders:
  • Laryngoscopy: To visualize the movement of the vocal cord
  • Stroboscopy: To examine the mucosal waves
  • Biopsy: To examine the tissue under a microscope to know the cause

Doctor for Diagnosis of Voice Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Voice Disorders:
  • Otolaryngologist

Complications of Voice Disorders if untreated

Yes, Voice Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Voice Disorders is left untreated:
  • infection

Procedures for Treatment of Voice Disorders

The following procedures are used to treat Voice Disorders:
  • Phonosurgery: To remove the fluid from the vocal cords
  • Voice therapy: To improve the voice’s quality and range
  • Surgical microlaryngoscopy: To improve the patient’s symptoms

Self-care for Voice Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Voice Disorders:
  • Breathe moist air: Use a humidifier to keep the air throughout the home
  • Rest your voice: Avoid talking or singing too loudly for long time
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Prevent dehydration
  • Moisten your throat: Try sucking on lozenges and gargling with salt water to keep the moistened throat
  • Avoid whispering: Reduces the strain on your voice

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Voice Disorders.
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Speech and Communication Disorders
Throat Disorders

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