Preventing and Treating Voice Problems

Taking Care of Our Voice

World Voice Day is celebrated on April 14th every year. The aim is to bring awareness to the beautiful phenomenon of the human voice and how to prevent and treat voice problems. We use our voice the whole day, at home and at work, taking it for granted till we develop a problem. The voice is the primary means of communication; it also conveys the age, gender and emotional state of the person speaking.

Anatomical Variations

There are a few differences seen between the larynx of men and women. The larynx is more distinguished in men and is at an angle of 95 degrees compared to 115 degrees in women. There are also variations seen in the triticeal cartilage, variant laryngeal enervation and the agenesis of thyroid horns.

Voice is produced in the voice box or larynx which is a complex organ composed of cartilage, muscle, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. It is situated within the thyroid cartilage otherwise called the Adam’s apple.

To produce the voice, air from the lungs pushes past the closed vocal cords which in turn vibrate. The lungs act as the bellows. Hence, voice production needs good respiratory support from the lungs, diaphragm and chest muscles. Nasal passage, sinuses and mouth provide resonance to your voice.

The loudness of the voice depends on the pressure of the air that is blown past the vocal folds. The pitch depends on the tension and length of the vocal cords.

Causes that Affect Your Voice

• Congenital disorders – e.g., laryngomalacia (weak laryngeal cartilage in new born)
• Inflammatory – laryngitis – viral, bacterial, reflux esophagitis
• Metabolic disorders – thyroid disorder, rheumatoid arthritis
• Benign lesion – when a cyst is present
• Traumatic
• Malignancy
• Neurological disorders

People such as teachers and salespersons who use their voice excessively are proven to develop voice problems more often than the general public. Any upper respiratory infection may also affect your voice for a few days which gets better once the infection subsides. As always, preventive action to take care of your voice is the best. These are some general tips for you and your family.

Healthy Habits to Take Care of Voice

• Plenty of water should be consumed through the day to keep your vocal cord well-lubricated.
• Rest your voice through the day.
• Eat a balanced diet including whole fruits and vegetables. This helps keep the mucous membrane of the throat healthy.
• Breathing exercises to maintain lung capacity and neck exercises help reduce the strain on the vocal cords.
• Use a humidifier in the dry climate.

For further information contact Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, ENT Department.