Voice Disorders – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Voice disorders involve changes in how someone’s voice sounds. These problems can develop for various reasons. Medical experts who specialize in ear, nose, and throat conditions work together with speech-language pathologists to identify and address voice issues.
The treatment approach varies based on the underlying cause of the voice disorder. Options may include voice therapy sessions, medication, injections, or surgical procedures when necessary.
Signs and Symptoms
Voice disorders can show up in several ways. People may notice changes in how their voice sounds or feels when speaking.
Common symptoms include:
- Hoarseness or roughness in the voice
- Voice breaks or cracks during speech
- Changes in pitch (voice becoming higher or lower than usual)
- Difficulty projecting the voice or speaking loudly
- Vocal fatigue after speaking for short periods
- Pain or discomfort when talking
- Feeling a lump in the throat when speaking
- Breathiness or air escaping during speech
- Complete voice loss (aphonia)
These symptoms might appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. Some people notice their voice is worse in the morning or gets worse throughout the day.
Physical signs that often accompany voice problems include:
- Frequent throat clearing
- Persistent cough
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Neck tension or pain
- Difficulty swallowing
Many people first notice voice problems when others comment on how they sound different or when they struggle during regular activities like phone calls or meetings.
Causes
Voice disorders can happen for many reasons. The voice box (larynx) contains vocal cords that vibrate when air passes through them. This vibration creates sound and helps us speak.
Several issues can affect how the vocal cords work:
Inflammation and Swelling
- Laryngitis (swollen vocal cords)
- Irritation from allergies, smoking, or heartburn
Growths on Vocal Cords
- Polyps
- Nodules
- Cysts
- Precancerous changes
- Cancerous growths
Movement Problems
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve damage
- Spasmodic dysphonia (a nervous system condition)
Tissue Changes
- White patches (leukoplakia)
- Scarring
- Injury from overuse
The vocal cords also help protect your airway during swallowing. When they can’t move properly or become damaged, both speaking and swallowing can be affected.
Any condition that prevents the vocal cords from closing completely, vibrating normally, or moving as they should can result in voice problems.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing voice disorders.
Age plays a role, as older adults naturally experience vocal cord changes. The voice may become weaker or raspier with age as vocal cords thin and lose elasticity.
Overuse of the voice is a common risk factor. People in certain professions like teachers, singers, public speakers, and call center workers frequently strain their voices. Talking loudly over background noise for extended periods can also damage vocal cords.
Certain health conditions may lead to voice problems:
- Acid reflux or GERD
- Allergies and sinus infections
- Neurological disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Lifestyle choices can impact vocal health too. Smoking irritates the vocal cords and can cause permanent damage. Excessive alcohol consumption and poor hydration may dry out the throat, making voice problems more likely.
Environmental factors like exposure to chemical irritants, dust, or dry air contribute to voice disorders. Working in places with poor air quality or excessive noise increases risk.
Lastly, psychological stress sometimes manifests as voice problems. Anxiety and tension can cause muscles around the larynx to tighten, affecting voice quality.
