Is your voice at risk? Common habits that damage your vocal cords

You may want to think twice before singing a solo in the shower or cheering for your favorite team on gameday: The extra strain could damage your vocal cords.

Your vocal cords are smooth bands of muscle tissue that sit on either side of your larynx, also known as your voice box. When you speak, laugh and sing, these small bands of muscle in your throat vibrate to create sound with the help of the larynx.

“Your vocal cords are small but mighty. But when they’re forced to work too hard or under unhealthy conditions, they can’t function properly,” says Dr. Resha Soni, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Aurora Health Care.

What damages your vocal cords?

When it comes to overuse, it’s no surprise that actions like yelling and cheering make extra demands of your voice. But seemingly innocuous vocal activities like whispering, constantly clearing your throat or talking for a long period can also put stress on the larynx. Those who use their voices for work, such as teachers, singers, nurses, salespeople and public speakers, are especially at risk for tiring out their vocal cords.

Aside from too much strain, health concerns can also contribute to vocal cord damage. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, these conditions may lead to voice problems:

• Upper respiratory infections, which inflame the vocal cords
• Smoking, which irritates the throat and vocal cords
• Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can allow stomach acid to reach the throat, irritating vocal tissue
• Benign growths, including vocal nodules, which can form when the vocal cords are repeatedly strained
• Neurological conditions, like muscle spasms in the larynx (spasmodic dysphonia) or vocal fold paralysis, which can make it difficult to speak or produce sound
• Psychological trauma or stress, which can also contribute to voice issues

Signs you may have voice damage

Like other health concerns, vocal cord damage can be signaled by changes to what’s normal for you. Signs may include:

• Hoarseness or a raspy sound
• A deeper than usual voice
• Throat discomfort or strain
• Needing extra effort to talk
• Frequent throat clearing

If any of these signs last more than two weeks, it’s important to make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine the cause of your voice issues.

“Damage to your vocal cords can result in more than just a hoarse voice or discomfort in your throat,” Dr. Soni says. “Vocal cord disorders, such as nodules, polyps, ulcers and laryngitis, or inflammation of the larynx, can develop and may require you to rest your voice, revisit your diet, get voice therapy or even have surgical intervention.”

How do you prevent vocal cord damage?

The good news is that many voice problems are preventable. Try the following to keep your voice in good shape:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep the vocal cords moist and more resilient.
• Quiet down: Just like your body needs rest, so does your voice. Take voice breaks throughout the day, especially if you talk for a living.
• Avoid smoking: Both smoking and secondhand smoke irritate the throat and vocal cords.
• Talk smart: Try not to yell, whisper or otherwise strain your voice. Consider using a microphone if you’re speaking for work.
• Manage health conditions: Seek treatment for known issues like GERD, which can irritate your throat even without heartburn.

“Some concerns, like a lost voice, can resolve in a few days with rest. Others, like having difficulty speaking, should be evaluated by an ENT specialist,” says Dr. Soni. “For most people, our voices are an integral part of living and working, so remember not to take your voice for granted.”

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