Speech-Language Pathology Department
Who We Are and What We Do

Common questions and answers about the voice and voice disorders

What exactly is involved in voicing?
The voice is like a musical instrument. In a piano, the fingers striking the keys is the force. The force behind the voice is breath. A piano has a vibrator - the strings. The voice vibrator is the vocal cords. The third component is the resonator. In a piano it is the hollow case. In the voice it is the throat, nose and mouth, which can also change the sound by various movements. So, the breath causes the vocal cords to vibrate creating the sound which is then transformed to speech sounds or singing by movement of the throat, lips, tongue, etc.

What do the vocal cords look like?
The vocal cords are located inside the larynx or voice box. They are actually tiny muscle's covered by mucous membranes, like the lining of the nose. They are capable of intricate movements, controlled by the cartilages. Because they are muscle they re vulnerable to fatigue and injury. Because they are covered in mucous membranes, environmental irritants affect them.

My voice sounds raspy sometimes. Do I have a voice problem?
A raspy voice, as hoarse vocal quality, inability to reach singing notes that were once possible all are signs of a possible voice problem. If there are no signs of a cold or if any of these symptoms persist or become frequent, it is advisable to have your vocal cords examined by an Ears, Nose and Throat specialist. Early detection of a potential problem is always wise.

What things are harmful to my voice?
Things that are harmful to the vocal cords generally fall into two categories: vocal abuse and vocal misuse. Abuse typically involves straining of the vocal cords by screaming, excessive coughing, excessive throat clearing or smoking. Misuse means using a loudness or pitch that is inappropriate for your voice or speaking when the throat muscles are tight.

What can I do to prevent a voice problem?
• Use a microphone or a noise maker to get someone's attention instead of yelling, cheering or screaming habitually.
• Try to reduce background noise in noisy situations. Face people you are talking to.
• Don't speak during strenuous exercise.
• Don't demand more of your voice than you would the rest of your body.
• Avoid exposure to excessive pollution and dehydrating agents such as cigarette smoke, fumes, alcohol, caffeine and dry air.
• Remember that your vocal cords don't feel pain. Listen to your voice. If it sounds sore, rest it until it's clear again.