Protecting healthy vocal cords and voices

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1. Voice (voice) structure

1) Structure of the Vocal Cords:

The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are part of the larynx, which is located in the throat. They consist of two muscular folds covered by a mucous membrane. Each vocal cord is composed of multiple layers, including epithelium, lamina propria, and thyroarytenoid muscle. The vocal cords are attached to the arytenoid cartilages and are positioned within the larynx in a V-shaped configuration. When at rest, the vocal cords are open, allowing air to pass through the larynx. During speech or singing, the muscles surrounding the vocal cords adjust their tension, causing the cords to come together and vibrate as air passes through, producing sound.

2) Principle of Voice:

The production of voice involves three essential components: airflow, vocal cord vibration, and resonance. When we breathe in, air passes through the larynx and into the lungs. During voice production, air from the lungs is exhaled, causing airflow to pass between the vocal cords.

The vocal cords are brought close together by muscle control, and as the airflow passes through the narrowed gap, they vibrate rapidly. This vibration produces sound waves. The pitch of the voice is controlled by the tension of the vocal cords, which is regulated by the muscles surrounding them. The sound produced by the vocal cords then resonates in the pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity, which shape the sound waves to produce specific speech sounds. Articulation and other components of speech production further refine the sound to create intelligible speech.

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2. Cause of voice loss

1) Vocal Strain/Overuse:

Excessive or improper use of the voice, such as speaking loudly, yelling, or singing forcefully for extended periods, can strain the vocal cords and lead to hoarseness or voice fatigue.

2) Vocal Cord Nodules/Polyps:

These are noncancerous growths that can develop on the vocal cords due to chronic vocal abuse or misuse. They can cause voice changes, hoarseness, and vocal limitations.

3) Vocal Cord Paralysis:

Paralysis or weakness of the muscles that control the vocal cords can result from conditions like nerve damage, viral infections, or surgery. It can lead to breathy or weak voice, and difficulty in speaking or projecting.

4) Laryngitis:

Inflammation of the vocal cords, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, excessive voice use, or exposure to irritants like smoke, can cause hoarseness, voice changes, and throat discomfort.

5) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

Acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the throat, can irritate the vocal cords and cause chronic hoarseness, throat clearing, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

6) Allergies:

Allergic reactions or seasonal allergies can result in postnasal drip, throat irritation, and swelling, leading to hoarseness and voice problems.

7) Respiratory Infections:

Common colds, flu, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections can cause inflammation in the airways, including the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness and voice changes.

8) Smoking and Alcohol Abuse:

Smoking tobacco or excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and dehydrate the vocal cords, leading to chronic hoarseness, vocal strain, and other voice problems.

9) Hormonal Changes:

Hormonal imbalances, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can cause changes in vocal cord function, leading to voice fluctuations and hoarseness.

10) Psychological Factors:

Stress, anxiety, and emotional tension can manifest in the voice, causing tightness in the throat muscles, vocal strain, and voice difficulties.

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3. Self-diagnosis when there is a voice problem

1) Hoarseness or Voice Changes:

Pay attention to any persistent hoarseness, roughness, or changes in your voice that last longer than two weeks. These may indicate an underlying vocal cord issue.

2) Vocal Fatigue:

Notice if your voice gets tired or strained easily, especially after minimal use. Vocal fatigue can be a sign of vocal cord strain or other problems.

3) Pain or Discomfort:

Take note of any pain, discomfort, or a "lump in the throat" sensation during speaking or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate vocal cord irritation or other conditions.

4) Breathiness or Weakness:

If your voice sounds breathy, weak, or lacks power, it could be a sign of vocal cord dysfunction or paralysis.

5) Voice Breaks or Inconsistencies:

If your voice frequently cracks, breaks, or experiences sudden pitch changes during speaking or singing, it might suggest a problem with vocal cord coordination.

6) Difficulty Speaking or Projecting:

If you find it challenging to speak loudly, project your voice, or have difficulty being heard in noisy environments, it could be a sign of vocal cord issues.

7) Limited Pitch Range:

Pay attention to any limitations in your ability to produce high or low pitches or if your voice feels stuck in a narrow pitch range. This may indicate vocal cord problems.

8) Chronic Throat Clearing or Coughing:

Persistent throat clearing or chronic coughing without an apparent cause could be related to vocal cord irritation or other vocal cord conditions.

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4. What is the voice disorder?

A "voice disorder" refers to a condition or abnormality that affects the production or quality of a person's voice. It can result from various underlying causes, including structural issues with the vocal cords, muscle dysfunction, neurological disorders, or improper vocal technique. Voice disorders can manifest in a range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the specific condition. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate a voice disorder:

Hoarseness or Raspy Voice: Hoarseness refers to a rough, strained, or breathy quality of voice. It can be caused by vocal cord inflammation, nodules, polyps, vocal cord paralysis, or other conditions.

1) Vocal Fatigue or Vocal Strain:

Voice disorders can lead to the rapid onset of fatigue or discomfort during voice use. It may feel like your voice tires easily, making it difficult to speak for extended periods or project your voice.

2) Voice Breaks or Instability:

Unpredictable pitch changes, sudden voice breaks, or difficulty maintaining a steady voice can be signs of a voice disorder. It may indicate issues with vocal cord coordination or muscle control.

3) Limited Pitch Range:

If you find it challenging to produce high or low pitches or experience a restricted vocal range, it may suggest a voice disorder. It can be caused by vocal cord stiffness, muscle tension, or other factors.

4) Breathiness or Weakness:

A weak, breathy voice lacking power or clarity can be indicative of vocal cord paralysis, muscle weakness, or poor vocal cord closure.

5) Strained Vocal Quality:

Some voice disorders may result in strained or effortful vocal quality, where speaking or singing requires excessive muscular effort or tension.

6) Voice Tremor:

If you notice an involuntary shaking or tremor in your voice, it could be a symptom of certain neurological conditions or vocal cord abnormalities.

7) Aphonia or Loss of Voice:

Complete loss of voice or the inability to produce any sound is known as aphonia. It can occur due to vocal cord paralysis, severe inflammation, or other underlying causes.

8) Voice Instability in Different Situations:

If your voice behaves differently in various speaking situations (e.g., normal at home but deteriorates in public settings), it may indicate a voice disorder.

9) Other Symptoms:

Additional symptoms of voice disorders may include throat discomfort, chronic throat clearing, excessive mucus production, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in the throat.

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5. How to treat vocal cord abnormalities

1) Enough rest:

Talking less or not at all is one of the simplest ways to relax your vocal cords. This is called 'the rest of the neck,' which reduces stress on the vocal cords. In particular, it is best not to speak when you are extremely tired or when you have already damaged your vocal cords.

2) Periodic water intake:

The neck and vocal cords work best when there is enough moisture. Moisture intake maintains the mucous membrane of the vocal cords properly and prevents dryness. Also, hot drinks soften your throat and reduce pain.

3) Maintaining indoor humidity:

If the indoor air is dry, the vocal cords can also become dry. To prevent this, it is important to maintain proper indoor humidity. You can use a humidifier, take a warm shower, or maintain humidity through steam during breathing.

4) (Short Term) No Smoking:

Smoking is bad for your vocal cords and throat. Nicotine and other chemicals make your vocal cords dry and cause inflammation in your vocal cords. This can cause swelling and pain in the neck, interfere with the function of the vocal cords, and increase the risk of vocal cord cancer in the long run. Therefore, it is important to avoid smoking or reduce it as much as possible.

5) Adjust the volume during conversation (continued):

Whispering is also stressful for your vocal cords, so you should avoid it as much as possible. If necessary, you can consult a voice therapist to learn how to use a healthy voice and speak.

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6. How to make your voice clear and loud and food

1) Dry throat and dry voice:

First of all, there is a way to improve cardiopulmonary function. To do this, we do aerobic exercise and eat food that improves our lungs. If your lungs are dry and you have a fever, your throat dries well and your dry voice comes out, so fruits, eggs, and peanuts such as pears, dried persimmons, pomegranates, and figs are effective. In addition, good foods depending on symptoms or causes are as follows.

2) Coughing:

bellflower, deodeok, radish, apricot seeds, ginger, tangerine peel

3) If you have indigestion and frequent diarrhea and your voice gets worse:

ginger, tangerine peel, radish

4) If you talk too much or overwork yourself, your voice becomes smaller:

ginseng, milk vetch root, honey, jujube

5) Fig soup:

* Ingredients: 1 fig, 15g brown sugar

* How to cook: Boil figs for about 30 minutes, add sugar, drink water, and eat figs.

* Efficacy: Figures lower the heat of the lungs and make them rich (see Fig. 209), so the lungs have a lot of heat, so the voice If you rest, treat dry cough and sore throat.

* Use: Take it twice a day. You can eat it for a long time.