Take the Vocal Cords Quiz
Hoarseness is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When you are hoarse, your voice may sound breathy, raspy, or strained. Or you may have changes in loudness (volume) or how high or low your voice is (pitch).
1. Talking too much or yelling can strain or injure the vocal cords.
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Other activities that can lead to straining or injuring the vocal cords (vocal abuse) include throat clearing, coughing, inhaling irritants, smoking, and screaming. Vocal misuse refers to using your voice in a way that's harmful. This includes speaking too loudly or at an abnormally high or low pitch.
2. Lawyers and teachers are particularly likely to have vocal abuse and misuse problems.
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Others at risk include clergy, cheerleaders, and professional voice
users such as singers and actors. Much of the chronic hoarseness in children is caused by vocal abuse or misuse.
3. Laryngitis is a common result of vocal abuse and misuse.
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Other disorders include vocal nodules, vocal polyps, and contact
ulcers. Health professionals who have training in voice and voice disorders
often refer to these conditions as hyperfunctional voice disorders.
4. Vocal nodules are also called singer's nodes.
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That's because they are often a problem for professional singers.
Vocal nodules are callous-like growths that often form in pairs, 1 on
each vocal cord. They form at the area that gets the most pressure when
the cords come together to vibrate. The nodules develop from damage caused
by repeated pressure on the same area. This is much like a callous forms on areas of
your feet that are irritated by tight shoes.
5. If you have laryngitis, your voice will often sound raspy, breathy, and hoarse.
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Laryngitis is an inflammation or swelling of the vocal cords. It may
be caused by overusing your voice. It may also be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Or it can be caused by irritants like inhaled chemicals or the backup of stomach acid into
the throat (gastroesophageal reflux).
6. Vocal polyps have been linked to cigarette smoking.
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But a polyp may also be linked to:
- A thyroid gland that is less active than normal (hypothyroidism). The thyroid helps with growth and development in children and energy control in adults.
- Vocal misuse that's either long-term (chronic)
or sudden (acute)
One type of vocal polyp is called Reinke’s edema or polypoid degeneration. It often affects both vocal folds. It is not cancer (benign). The more common type of polyp is caused by overuse and strain of the voice, or an acute violent coughing attack linked to an illness. It's similar to a vocal nodule but softer.
It's more like a blister than a callous. It most often forms on only 1
vocal cord.
7. Most disorders of vocal abuse and misuse can be cured.
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The best treatment is to find and eliminate the vocal behavior
that created the voice disorder. In many cases, a brief period of voice
therapy is helpful so that you can learn good vocal techniques. These include proper breath support for speech or eliminating forceful voicing.
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