Voice disorders

What are voice disorders?

Voice disorders are medical conditions which affect the sounds that depend on the larynx (vocal cords), the pitch, volume, tone and other qualities of the voice. Voice disorders, therefore, affect speech production.

Your vocal cords are made of muscle, mucous membranes, and cartilage. Vocal cords are located at the top of your windpipe (trachea) and below your tongue. If they become inflamed, develop growths or become paralyzed they can’t work properly and this could mean you might develop a voice disorder.

The origin of such changes can be organic, physiological, psychological or environmental. There are also two types of disorders: dysphonia and aphonia. Aphonia is the total loss of voice, whether temporary or chronic and can be caused by overuse of the vocal cords, a respiratory disease, intake of toxic or irritating products, excessive cold or nervous causes. Treatment may include resting the voice, medication, voice therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

Dysphonia is a disorder of voice intensity due to an injury in the organs or poor use of the voice (functional). The most common causes of this condition are overly straining your voice (voice hyperfunction), gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, infections such as laryngitis or tuberculosis, neurological disorders of the larynx, tumours, and trauma, among others. The treatment involves learning relaxation techniques and breathing, exercising the shoulder, neck and face muscles, and speech therapy.

What are some risk factors that can contribute to a voice disorder?

Ageing
Alcohol consumption
Allergies
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Illnesses such as upper respiratory infections or colds
Neurological disorders
Trauma at the front of the neck or from neck surgery
Screaming
Stress
Smoking
Throat dehydration
Thyroid problems
Voice overuse or misuse

What are the signs that you may have a voice disorder?

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

How can voice disorders be treated?

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

Treatment will depend on the factors causing your voice disorder, however, they can include medication, voice therapy, injections or even surgery.

If you feel you have signs and symptoms of a voice disorder, it is advised to speak with an Otolaryngologist who will be able to diagnose and treat you.

Articles related to Voice disorders

A woman sitting in front of her window and speaking into her phone.

Voice changes after thyroid surgery: will the voice return to normal?

By Mr Radu Mihai
2021-09-26

After thyroid surgery, your voice could change for several reasons. In some cases, voice changes are temporary and in other cases, they are permanent. Mr Radu Mihai provides you with an in-depth guide on the potential voice changes you may experience, what can cause them and much more. See more

Picture of someone with vocal cord nodules

Can teaching damage your voice? Vocal cord nodules explained…

By Professor Guri Sandhu
2021-09-25

Vocal cord nodules are an injury that gives you a rough quality to your voice. They’re popularly associated with singers, but this injury can also affect anyone who has to speak a lot as part of their job. In this article, expert ENT surgeon Mr Guri Sandhu explains how vocal cord nodules develop, when to see a doctor, and what treatment is available. See more

Of time and voice: why ageing makes you sound different

By Professor Martin Anthony Birchall
2021-09-22

Our voice is a massive part of our identity. However, like the rest of our bodies, it is not invulnerable to the effects of ageing. Leading otolaryngologist Professor Martin Birchall provides his expert insight into how the voice changes with age and how we can help to maintain our voices. See more

Voice disorders: what are they and when should you see a doctor?

By Mr Brian Fish
2021-09-21

Having a working voice is essential for many professions, such as teachers, lawyers and singers, so having a voice disorder can be very disruptive. Mr Brian Fish, a top otolaryngologist, explains how voice disorders can affect us and when to see a doctor about them. See more

Experts in Voice disorders