Events like sports games where you cheer and talk loudly may strain your voice.
Christine, an attorney and mother of three young children, uses her voice all the time. She really never thought much about it – until she had a over the winter holidays, a gift from her youngest child. She developed laryngitis with notable coughing and significant hoarseness. Although this had happened to her before, her voice always recovered after a few days. Not this time. Her hoarseness persisted, and her voice was low pitched and raspy. It got better with rest, but with her work and family responsibilities, there was no way to reduce her voice use, and the hoarse voice persisted.
Christine’s story is not unique. In fact, temporary hoarseness occurs in almost everyone, and almost 20 percent of the population in the United States has some degree of chronic voice dysfunction. This number is dramatically worse in voice-intensive occupations. School teachers have reported problems with their voices 60 percent of the time in their lifetime and 11 percent at any given time.
Most people use their voices as their primary means of communication without thinking about it. And each voice is a personal signature that carries great weight.
Researchers in the United Kingdom the vocal ranges of men and women in courtship scenarios. Results show that men and women vary the strength, tone and pitch of their voices when speaking to members of the opposite sex whom they find attractive. Another study shows that hearing a helps develop the brain of a preemie.
Yes, your voice is powerful, and it plays an essential role in your life.
In addition to normal daily use, events such as where you cheer and talk loudly may strain your voice. It is actually possible to bruise your vocal folds, which can create a scar and may result in your voice sounding less clear.
To protect and preserve your vocal asset, here are tips to keep your voice healthy:
When is It Cause for Concern?
Short periods of hoarseness following a respiratory infection or after a long or loud period of voice use is not uncommon. With some voice rest, these should resolve within a short period of time.
If your hoarseness lasts more than two or three weeks and is not gradually improving, particularly or do not have cold-like symptoms, it should prompt a visit to your doctor.
If there is significant concern, primary care physicians and emergency department doctors will likely refer patients to an ear, nose and throat doctor (also known as ENT doctor or an ), who is specially trained to diagnose and treat problems of the larynx.
Fortunately, even with prolonged hoarseness, there are rarely truly worrisome or life-threatening conditions, and treatment is usually effective.
In the long run, if you have a healthy lifestyle and approach the care of your voice alongside your overall health and wellness, you will keep your voice strong and vigorous.