Khaberni - Dr. Vladimir Zaytsev, an ENT specialist, indicates that hoarseness or voice loss is not always due to a cold, but may be the result of functional disorders in the vocal system.
According to the doctor, sound is produced when air passes through the closed vocal cords, where the degree of tension and the strength of exhalation determine the volume and tone of the voice. If the vocal cords do not close completely or separate, the voice becomes weak or disappears altogether.
Zaytsev said, "Human sound production occurs during exhalation, when the air stream passes through the closed vocal cords, generating a sound signal. When the vocal cords fail to close, or one of them remains open, voice loss occurs. If there is partial closure, hoarseness appears."
The doctor pointed out that temporary voice loss can occur due to severe anxiety or emotional stress, where the body's defense mechanism is activated, and breathing continues while the voice temporarily disappears. For this reason, it is important to maintain the moisture of the mucous membranes and drink small sips of water while speaking in public.
Zaytsev added, "The vocal system is evolutionarily designed to preserve the breathing function in dangerous situations, even at the expense of the voice. Thus, when feeling stressed, a reflexive dysfunction in the closure of the vocal cords occurs. That's why speakers always make sure to have water nearby, as it helps combat dryness of the mucous membranes and prevents the development of hoarseness and voice loss."
He explained that repeated voice loss or hoarseness should prompt consultation with a specialist, as it may be due to neurological disorders, muscle weakness such as myasthenia gravis, or functional voice hoarseness. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek a speech therapist to restore the voice through special vocal exercises.
He said, "Speech exercises allow training of the vocal apparatus just like muscles in the gym. People with weak vocal cord muscles need this kind of training to prevent their voices from weakening even with the slightest effort. Voice loss without a clear cause should not be delayed in diagnosis, as it could be a sign of a serious illness, including cancer."
Zaytsev emphasized that smoking is a risk factor, as a person can smoke as much as they want, but the price to pay would be hoarseness, and eventually voice loss, which is particularly common among people prone to voice weakness.
