Vocal Abuse is the term used to describe the abrupt and vigorous adduction (closure) of the vocal folds leading to hyper function of the laryngeal muscles. This basically translates to "bashing your vocal cords together"! If these behaviours are repeated frequently this can result in vocal fold surface issues, strain and maladaptive behaviours such as constriction.
Vocal abuse behaviours include; shouting, screaming, persistent coughing, throat clearing and vocal noises (the noises children make when playing such as animal noises or engine noises).
Throat clearing is one of the most prevalent forms of vocal abuse. Habitual, non-productive throat clearing patterns were seen in 68% of patients with a hyperfunctional voice disorder in one study carried out by Timcke, Von Leden and Moore. The act of clearing your throat occurs by abruptly closing the vocal folds and holding them in this position for a prolonged period of time. This irritates the voice box meaning you feel the need to clear your throat again.. and again.. and again. Rinse and repeat and you can land yourself in a pretty destructive vocal abuse habit. Throat clearing results in 'wear and tear' of the vocal folds.
Vocal misuse refers to vocal behaviours that can contribute to the development of laryngeal pathologies, such as vocal fold nodules or cysts. Examples of vocal misuse include; speaking at high volumes for prolonged periods, speaking outside of your habitual pitch range, speaking without adequate breath support and fast paced speech.
Becoming aware of these vocal misuse and abuse behaviours is the first step towards protecting the voice. Some may be obvious such as; screaming or shouting but many of them are much more subtle. Certain factors such as high volume and fast paced speech can also be part of your personality. The voice is how we express ourselves after all!
Practical strategies such as; using a microphone to project the voice in larger rooms, using pacing to slow speech down and implementing strategies to avoid coughing and throat clearing can be a saviour for many professional voice users.
Changing and adapting your vocal misuse and abuse behaviours may prevent you from needing ENT input or vocal rehabilitation in the future.
References
Timke, R. Von Leden, H. Moore, G (1960) "Laryngeal variations: Measurements of the glottic wave, Part 2: Physiologic variations".
Stemple, J. Glaze, L. Gerdeman, B. (2000) "Clinical Voice Pathology: Theory and Management", Third edition, P60-80.
Vocal Abuse is the term used to describe the abrupt and vigorous adduction (closure) of the vocal folds leading to hyper function of the laryngeal muscles. This basically translates to "bashing your vocal cords together"! If these behaviours are repeated frequently this can result in vocal fold surface issues, strain and maladaptive behaviours such as […]
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