Voice

Voice

Our voice makes music. It has the power to add to or change the meaning of words in speech. It exposes our physical condition, reveals and releases emotion, unmasks our personality. Our voice is dynamic; changing moment to moment, as well as over time. This powerful tool needs care and attention to last and to continue to work well.

Terms you may hear when discussing voice issues include:

The larynx, more commonly known as the "voice box".
Vocal folds or vocal cords are two structures within the larynx. To make noise, we close them together and force air through them, resulting in vibration...voice.
Laryngectomy is a surgical removal of part of or all of the larynx.

The following are common and not-so-common voice or vocal fold problems:

Laryngitis
Vocal fold nodules
Polyps
Spastic dysphonia
Carcinoma or cancer

Some signs and symptoms of vocal fold disorders include:
Hoarseness, voice fatigue, breathiness, reduced pitch range, pitch breaks or inappropriately high pitch, strained voice, tremor or shaky voice, lack of control of loudness, excessive throat clearing, or uncontrolled voicing when inhaling.

To promote good vocal hygiene, practice the following suggestions:

Healthy bodies drink water!
Limit amount of talking time, especially if you have any signs of upper respiratory tract infection.
Avoid whispering. Talk softly if you must talk. Sports fans and large home dwellers need to replace yelling with bells and whistles. Be creative.
Limit caffeine intake. (Yes, even you in Seattle) as caffeine is believed to have a drying effect on the vocal folds.
Do not try to converse in a noisy environment. Go somewhere quiet to talk face to face.
Do not use a "strained" voice as when lifting heavy objects.
Avoid too much coughing or throat clearing.
Avoid dusty or smoky areas.
Avoid singing or humming.

The sound of the voice may be your best warning to more serious problems that are not reserved for adults only.

Do not ignore hoarseness, or unusual voice qualities in your children.

If the voice does not sound or feel normal for four to five days, and you do not know why, see a doctor or a speech-language pathologist.

If you live in the Seattle are and have further questions or would like to discuss your situation with a speech-language pathologist, feel free to contact us.

Phone: 206.323.5770 V/TTY
Email: Speech, Language & Motor Skills Dept.