How the Voice Works
Speaking depends on 3 main systems:
· Breathing (the respiratory system)
· Voicing (the phonatory system)
· How the voice sounds (the resonatory system)
What is voice?
Air from the lungs is the primary power supply for the voice. Air travels in through the windpipe (trachea) and in to the voice box (larynx). The vocal folds are contained within the larynx, and as air passes through them they vibrate and produce sound, or voice. The vocal folds are smooth bands of muscle, approximately 20mm in length, which can be lengthened, shortened, tensed, relaxed, opened or closed. During breathing they are wide apart. When we are speaking the vocal folds come gently together and as air comes up from the lungs they vibrate, at approximately 220 times per second, producing noise. The changing positions of our mouth, lips and tongue shape the voice in to meaningful sounds and words as we speak.
Common voice problems
· Muscle tension voice problem: If there is too much (or too little) tension in the vocal muscles the voice can sound hoarse, strained or whispery. The voice can tire easily and make the throat sore or ache. This can happen if we strain our voice when we have a cold when the voice is already husky. It can also happen if we have a job or lifestyle where the voice is constantly being used at raised volume.
· Stress-related voice problem: Stress or upsetting life events can be a contributing factor to a voice problem as the throat muscles tense in response to stress. It can be that busy lifestyles lead to increase in tension in the voice box, even if we do not feel particularly stressed. You may be asked about this when you come for your appointment. All discussions are confidential, however you will not be expected to talk about anything that you are not comfortable about. On very rare occasions we may need to break confidentiality but we would discuss this with you first where possible.
· Organic voice problems: If the vocal folds are brought together with too much force it can cause bruising. Over time the delicate skin on the vocal folds changes and nodules/ polyps/ cysts/ thickening can occur.
· A speech and language therapist specializing in voice will help you to understand what is causing the voice problem; teach you how to protect it from strain and help you learn how to use your voice efficiently.