Keeping your voice healthy will ensure you are able to communicate properly, and for some people who rely on it to earn a living – singers, teachers and lawyers, for instance – good voice health is essential. These same individuals tend to put more strain on their vocal cords. Even those whose professions don’t require constant speaking still suffer when experiencing voice-related health issues. It is estimated that 7.5 million people experience voice disorders.
Voice Disorders Summary
Keeping your voice healthy will ensure you are able to communicate properly, and for some people who rely on it to earn a living – singers, teachers and lawyers, for instance – good voice health is essential. These same individuals tend to put more strain on their vocal cords. Even those whose professions don’t require…
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation of the larynx (voice box). It causes hoarseness and, in some cases, voice loss. It can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting), but is usually the result of a temporary viral infection or vocal strain and clears up quickly. Persistent laryngitis that lasts longer than two weeks could be a…
Vocal Cord Nodules & Polyps
Your vocal folds are inside your larynx, or voice box. When you talk, air moves from your lungs through the vocal folds to your mouth. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound. Anything that makes it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate can cause a voice problem. Vocal fold nodules are growths that form…
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Your vocal folds are inside your larynx, or voice box. When you talk, air moves from your lungs through the vocal folds to your mouth. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound. Anything that makes it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate can cause a voice problem. Vocal fold paralysis happens when one or…
Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) occurs when there is excessive muscle tension in the larynx, leading to hoarseness as well as tenderness of the throat. What Are the Symptoms of MTD? Other common symptoms of MTD include: Vocal strain. Pitch changes. Pain & discomfort in the throat. Voice fatigue. What Causes MTD? MTD is typically caused…
PVFM
Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) is a voice disorder that is often misdiagnosed with asthma. Your vocal cords will work normally and then all of a sudden something will cause them to close when they should be open. This action can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. This is a difficult disorder to diagnose. Your doctor…
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic, long-term voice disorder. Vocal folds are part of our sound creating process. They sit on top of the windpipe and when air from the lungs is pushed through them, they produce sound. The vocal folds of those with spasmodic dysphonia do not work as they should. Causes of Spasmodic Dysphonia…
Atrophy/Bowing
Vocal fold bowing is a condition that prevents one or both of your vocal folds from closing normally. Unilateral bowing affects only one fold, and bilateral affects both. When your vocal cords cannot close completely, your voice will sound breathy or weak. Vocal ford atrophy refers to the gradual change in vocal cords as people…
Vocal Fold Cyst
Vocal fold cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled sacs that can form anywhere on or within the vocal folds. These cysts can cause the vocal folds to become stiff, leading to changes in the sound of your voice. What Causes Vocal Fold Cysts? Vocal fold cysts are caused by voice strain or a blockage in the mucus…
Hoarseness
Hoarseness is an inflammation of the larynx that results in a change in the voice, making it sound breathy, raspy, scratchy or strained. There may be changes in volume and pitch, as well. Hoarseness falls under the medical category of dysphonia, which refers to voice impairment or any sort of difficulty speaking. Causes Hoarseness is…