A Healthy Voice Will Lead to Better Communication
We use our voices daily to connect with others, whether we’re at work or spending time with friends and family. Professionals like singers, teachers and lawyers especially rely on them while on the job. If you’re experiencing problems with your voice, it’s important to respond to them appropriately. At Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, we can provide diagnosis and treatment, and you’ll soon be speaking or singing with fewer difficulties.
How Does the Voice Work?Â
The vocal folds, or groups of muscle tissue in the larynx, are normally open to allow breathing. When you speak, they close and air from the lungs makes them vibrate. This produces sound. Your voice’s pitch, volume and tone are determined by the size and shape of your vocal folds. When illness or disease affects your voice, it can change the pitch, volume and sound quality. 
Do I Have a Voice Disorder?
Symptoms of vocal damage include a hoarse, raspy or weak voice; decreased range in pitch, volume and projection; vocal fatigue; shortness of breath; coughing; sore throat; chronic throat clearing and losing your voice.
How Common Are Voice Disorders?
An estimated 7.5 million people experience vocal damage.
What Are Some Common Voice Disorders?
- Laryngitis
- Muscle tension dysphoria
- Polyps, cysts or nodules on the vocal cords
- Precancerous or cancerous lesions on the vocal cords
- Vocal cord swelling, paralysis or weakness
Who Is More Likely To Develop Voice Disorders?
Risk factors for vocal damage include
- Acid reflux
- Aging
- Allergies
- Consistent use of alcohol or caffeine
- Colds or upper respiratory infections
- Scarring from surgery or trauma in the neck
- Screaming
- Smoking
- Tumors in the throat
- Overusing your voice
How Can I Keep My Voice Healthy?
It’s important to avoid straining your vocal folds through improper pitch and volume. You can keep the folds moist by drinking water, especially when speaking. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake since these can dry out your throat. If you’re experiencing vocal strain, it’s crucial to rest your voice to avoid permanent damage.
How Can Vocal Damage Be Treated?
Some voice disorders can be treated with medication or speech therapy, but others like vocal cord lesions may require surgery. No matter what treatment you need, Hearing Speech + Deaf Center will be here to guide you through the process.
(513) 221-0527
for more information or to schedule an appointment.