A cracking voice isn’t just a symptom of puberty. It can be a sign that your vocal cords are getting tired.
What Are Vocal Cords?
Vocal cords are muscular bands inside your voice box, which sits on top of your windpipe. Your vocal cords open and close to control the flow of air. When you speak, the cords meet in the middle and vibrate, creating noise (speaking, singing, coughing, etc.).
Why Does Speaking Tire Vocal Cords?
Overexerting your vocal cords leads to irritation and inflammation, called vocal strain. Excessive speaking or singing tires out your vocal cords like a long run around McFall Park tires out the muscles in your legs.
Who Is at Risk for Vocal Cord Strain?
Anyone can strain their voice, but professions that require frequent talking are the most likely to lead to vocal strain. Common at-risk professions include singers, teachers, actors, coaches and other public speakers.
Are There Other Risk Factors for Vocal Strain?
Yes, there are a few conditions and risk factors that can contribute to vocal strain, including but not limited to:
- Acid reflux. Stomach acid that reaches the throat can irritate and inflame the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness and strain.
- Infections. Viral or bacterial infections can cause swelling and inflammation in the throat, affecting vocal clarity and strength.
- Smoking. Smoking irritates the vocal cords and can lead to chronic inflammation, making the voice raspy or weak.
- Vocal cord paralysis. Vocal cord paralysis causes one or both vocal cords to stop moving properly, severely impacting sound production and breathing.
- Nodules, polyps and cysts on the vocal cords. These benign growths can develop from vocal overuse or irritation, causing your voice to sound weak or hoarse.
Other, less common causes include:
- Laryngeal cancer. Cancer can form in your voice box and on your vocal cords.
- Laryngospasm. Unpredictable vocal cord spasms make breathing or talking difficult.
- Spasmodic dysphonia. Long-term vocal cord tightening or spasming can interrupt speech.
- Muscle tension dysphonia. Increased tightening inside and outside the voice box contributes to strain.
- Reinke’s edema. Fluid collection in part of your vocal cords causes swelling and hoarseness.
How Can I Care for My Voice?
There are a few great ways to care for your voice:
- Drink hot tea with lemon
- Drink plenty of water and unsweetened juices
- Rest your voice, especially if you’re in a profession that requires frequent talking or singing
- Use throat lozenges
- Don’t smoke
- See an ENT for underlying conditions like GERD or vocal cord nodules
If your voice has felt weak or hoarse lately, contact Advantage ENT & Audiology today. Our specialists can get to the bottom of your symptoms and set you on the right treatment path.