Do you always sound hoarse? Here’s how you could damage your vocal cords even if you're not shouting

Each time you scream at your kids to “stop it!” or channel Miley Cyrus at a karaoke session, some very thin and small tissues are hard at work so you can be heard.

Even if you don’t use your voice for a living the way teachers, presenters, singers and those working in sales do, it still pays to take good care of your vocal cords – and not only when you have a sore throat or lose your voice just before an important presentation. Here’s a look at what vocal cords are and how to spot trouble.The words “vocal cords” may give off the wrong impression as they aren’t like the strings on a guitar that vibrate when plucked.

Illustrations showing the extent of your vocal cords' opening when you're not speaking, whispering, and speaking calmly and loudly. The medical explanation doesn’t involve any fruit eating though. Before puberty, girls and boys have the same larynx sizes but around ages eight to 13 for girls, and nine to 14 for boys, the larynx starts to grow and develop cartilage to protect the vocal cords. That’s when the difference stars to show or shall we say, sound.Owing to boys’ higher testosterone levels during puberty, their vocal cords get thicker and longer than girls’, giving rise to their deeper voices.

Chua said that muscle tension dysphonia can be caused by factors such as inefficient voice use, a throat infection, irritants such as acid reflux and increased vocal demand. “In some instances, it can be a reaction to stress and anxiety or an emotional life event.”and are unable to open and close the vocal cords. In most cases, only one vocal cord is paralysed but it can already cause difficulties with speech, and significant issues with breathing and swallowing.

Voice

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