Voice

Our voice is produced by the vibration of the vocal cords caused by air passing out through the voice box [larynx] bringing the cords closer together. Proper care and use of your voice improves the likelihood of having a healthy voice for your entire lifetime.
How Do I Know If I Have A Voice Problem?
• Change in quality of voice- voice sounds harsh or rough
• Pain on speaking- a sharp or dull pain may occur on speaking for long
• Voice breaks on singing or speaking
• Loss of pitch
• Loss of voice range
Tips To Identify Voice Problems
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you have an unhealthy voice:
• Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
• Does your throat often feel raw, achy, or strained?
• Does talking require more effort?
• Do you find yourself repeatedly clearing your throat?
• Do you feel a lump sensation in your throat?
• Do people regularly ask you if you have a cold when in fact you do not?
• Have you lost your ability to hit some high notes when singing?
What is the cause for the change in my voice?
It may be broadly divided into:
• Vocal cord inflammation- such as in acute laryngitis
• Vocal cord lesions
• Vocal cord paralysis
• Dysphonia
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux [acid reflux]
• Vocal cord cancer - a change in the voice is often the first symptom of cancer larynx[ voice box] and prompt detection and treatment has excellent cure rate
Why do voice problems occur?
Conditions affecting the vocal cords producing a change in the voice may develop due to:-
• Smoking
• Excess voice use
• Voice abuse as in screaming or shouting
• Acid reflux[Laryngopharyngeal reflux]
• Infection
• Injury as in an accident or following intubation [ for a surgery or for ventilation support]
• Hormonal imbalance- thyroid problems[hypothyroidism]
• Drugs :- many drugs can have an injurious effect on the voice- inform your ENT specialist if you are taking any regular medicines
• Neurological conditions
What should I do if I have a problem with my voice?
• Take care of your voice-Do not strain it further by shouting, singing ,whispering or talking more than is necessary
• Drink adequate fluids
• Keep your acidity under control
• Visit an ENT specialist in your locality