Throughout life, our voice can change without us understanding the reason. This happens to everyone during adolescence when the voice box in our throat grows and thickens, and in boys, it is more noticeable than in girls. In fact, any change that occurs in the throat can affect our voice, and it is even possible that in old age, you will feel that you have lost your voice and that it has changed or "disappeared." This could be hoarseness due to a cold or prolonged loud speaking, and such a change lasts only a few days, but if the voice does not return—this is already a problem that needs to be addressed. If you feel that you have lost your voice for more than two weeks without a clear reason, it is time to see a specialist doctor to examine the cause, and these are the four most common reasons why you no longer sound like yourself.
1. Damage to the Vocal Cords
When you speak, your vocal cords collide with each other and vibrate at a rate of 100 times or more per second, and when you talk too much (or shout), these collisions and vibrations become stronger and can cause tissue damage. This injury can cause swelling and pain, which is actually an inflammation of the vocal cords caused by trauma—a problem common among people who use their voice a lot in their work.
How to Treat the Problem?
You should see a laryngologist who will perform imaging of the vocal cords. The treatment will depend on what is found, but the first step is to give your voice a rest. Use text messages instead of calling when possible. There are also exercises that can reduce the pressure you exert on your vocal cords when speaking, making your voice softer—this is called "vocal hygiene."
At home, it is recommended to go to the room where the person you want to talk to is instead of shouting from another room, and in general, it is good to drink plenty of water since the vocal cords can dry out, negatively affecting their condition. If you are sick and your voice is affected by it, it is also recommended not to strain it too much.
2. Tense Muscles
Sometimes the problem is not with the vocal cords but with the muscles around them, and experts claim that 35-40% of their patients do not actually suffer from a problem directly related to the voice but rather from the function of the surrounding muscles. Your vocal cords do not work alone—they are part of a network of muscles that move your voice box to produce sounds.
For example, if your throat muscles are tense and strained, you may suffer from a hoarse voice. This often happens to those who work in an incorrect posture for many hours and bend their neck and throat. In fact, since we started doing more lectures and meetings on Zoom, experts say they see more problems related to the neck muscles that affect the voice, possibly because the lecturer sits in a non-ideal position instead of standing.
How to Treat the Problem?
A speech pathologist is your go-to person, and they can teach you exercises to help balance the pressure exerted on the throat muscles. You may need to consciously relax them when speaking. There are also massage techniques for the neck and throat that can help achieve this relaxation, and the more they are used, the greater their effect. Just keep in mind that it can take a long time and several treatments.
3. Reflux
Reflux is a condition where acidic fluid from the stomach flows back up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. If the acid reaches the vocal cords, it can cause irritation, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and mucus buildup in the throat. Many people ignore this problem, assuming they simply have heartburn, but the root issue is actually reflux, which can be treated.
How to Treat the Problem?
One of the best things you can do is modify your diet and avoid foods and drinks that worsen reflux, such as alcohol, chocolate, fatty or spicy foods, and tomato-based dishes. There are also dietary supplements that can help manage symptoms.
4. Neurological Problem
Several neurological issues can affect the voice, one of the most common being spasmodic dysphonia. This condition causes involuntary spasms in the vocal cords, leading to a strained, choppy, or hoarse voice. Other neurological disorders indirectly impact the vocal cords by causing symptoms such as tremors.
For example, essential tremor, which primarily causes hand tremors, can also lead to vocal tremors. Many people with Parkinson's disease also experience difficulty speaking or develop a stutter, and sometimes voice changes are among the earliest signs of the disease. A stroke can also impair speech due to brain, nerve, and muscle damage.
How to Treat the Problem?
Spasmodic dysphonia can be treated with Botox injections into the vocal cord muscles every 3-4 months, which helps neutralize nerve effects on the muscles. This treatment can also help those with essential tremor, along with speech therapy. People with Parkinson's disease or those recovering from a stroke can also benefit from speech therapy to help improve clarity and strength in their speech. Such treatment may be done weekly and continue for up to a year.
Conclusion
Hoarseness can result from shouting or a cold, but if it persists for a long time, it's important to investigate the cause, as it may indicate a more serious, chronic issue that requires treatment. To understand your case and seek proper treatment, you should consult an ear, nose, and throat doctor, a laryngologist specializing in vocal cord treatment, or a speech pathologist. As you've learned, there are solutions for every problem, so take advantage of them and regain your voice.
