Potential vocal damage may be explained in two areas: short-term long-term.

     Short-term damage of the vocal apparatus causes swelling and redness of the vocal muscles. Such damage may cause an individual to 'lose' their voice. They may also feel the need to work harder creating the volume necessary for their occupation. One may actually feel their voice tiring, such as one feels muscles that have been worked hard during exercise. Similarly, it is essential that individuals who use their voice frequently rest their vocal muscles as much as they are utilized. The following situations may create a possibility of short-term vocal damage:

   · Speaking often and inefficiently
   · Screaming or yelling
   · Singing or speaking for long periods of time
   · Speaking or singing while having a sore throat (or similar illness)

     Long-term damage of the vocal muscles occurs when the voice is continually used without being given necessary rest, or an injury occurs on the vocal folds. When individuals insist on phonating while their voice needs rest risk the possibility of creating nodes, or lesions on their vocal muscles. An injury may occur if the swelling and redness becomes so great the tissue creates a polyp, or a sort of 'bubble' on the vocal muscle. Sometimes the bubbles can burst, leaving scar tissue on the vocal chord.

     Although such a situation is not common, illness often irritates the situation, making the possibility of vocal damage greater. Long-term damage often significantly affects the efficiency of the vocal process as well as vocal tone. Repair of long-term damage often requires voice therapy, and sometimes surgery
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     Often individuals will purchase vocal sprays to assist them in singing when their voices are tired. This only achieves deadening the sensation that is attempting to tell your body to stop singing/speaking and rest the vocal muscles.

     Certain activities and careers tend towards vocal problems. They include teachers, singers, coaches, speakers, salespeople and cheerleaders.

      If you are experiencing vocal problems, please make an appointment with a doctor or vocal care professional to assess your situation. If you are located in the Midwest, I would encourage you to contact The Voice Center at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.