Voice disorders are a common concern affecting a significant proportion of the population, with impacts ranging from the inability to speak to difficulties in everyday communication. According to estimates by the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), approximately one in thirteen people experience some type of vocal disorder at some point in their life.
These conditions and disorders can manifest in various ways, with aphonia and dysphonia being the most common. Aphonia involves the total or partial loss of voice, while dysphonia is characterized by changes in vocal quality, such as pitch, intensity, or timbre.
Voice disorders
The causes of voice disorders can be diverse. Among the most common are:
- Inflammation of the larynx: Laryngitis, is caused by respiratory infections, excessive use of the voice, and exposure to irritating substances such as tobacco smoke, among others.
- Voice abuse and misuse: Professionals whose occupations require prolonged or forced use of the voice, such as teachers, announcers, actors, and singers, are at greater risk of suffering from some disorder.
- Functional factors: These include misuse of the voice, such as shouting or speaking in noisy environments, as well as congenital or psychological problems that affect the voice.
- Gastroesophageal reflux: It can cause chronic laryngitis and thus directly affect the voice.
How to take care of your voice?
To avoid these disorders and take care of your voice, Cinfa experts give us a series of tips. They also warn that symptoms vary depending on the type and cause of the vocal disorder, but may include difficulty speaking, changes in vocal quality, sore throat, cough, and vocal fatigue.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For disorders caused by inflammation, vocal rest and anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful. In cases of functional disorders, modification of vocal habits and speech therapy may be necessary. For psychological disorders, addressing the underlying causes is required.
10 tips to take care of your voice
- Keep your vocal cords hydrated by drinking fluids regularly.
- Breathe properly, avoiding mouth breathing and practicing abdominal breathing.
- Use your voice sparingly and avoid shouting in noisy environments.
- Avoid clearing your throat frequently and cough gently if necessary.
- Maintain proper body posture to facilitate vocal resonance.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke.
- Follow a balanced diet and avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Regulate ambient humidity and avoid dry environments.
- Get enough rest and avoid stressful and fatigue-inducing situations.
- Consult a health professional if vocal disorders are frequent.