What are vocal folds?
Have you ever wondered how your voice works?
Every time you speak, sing, or even whisper, the remarkable, yet tiny vocal folds are responsible for producing sound. They play a crucial role in shaping the way we communicate and express ourselves.
What Are Vocal Folds?
Vocal folds, are a pair of delicate structures located in the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. When air from the lungs passes through the larynx, the vocal folds vibrate, producing sound waves that resonate in the oral and nasal cavities, ultimately resulting in the sound of your voice.
Structure of Vocal Folds
The vocal folds are tiny! Approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters in length, and are positioned horizontally across the larynx. Each fold consists of several layers, including a mucous membrane, ligaments, and muscle tissue. These layers work together to create a flexible structure that can open and close as needed during breathing, swallowing, and phonation (speech).
How Vocal Folds Produce Sound
Speaking or singing begins with the initiation of airflow from the lungs. As air passes through the larynx, it causes the vocal folds to close together. When you're not producing sound, the vocal folds remain open to allow unrestricted airflow for breathing.
However, when you speak, the vocal folds come close enough to disrupt the airflow, causing them to vibrate rapidly. This vibration creates sound waves, which then travel through the throat, mouth, and nasal passages, shaping the unique sound of your voice.
Different Pitches and Tones
The pitch of your voice is determined by the tension and thickness of your vocal folds. Higher pitches are produced when the folds are stretched and thinner. Lower pitches result from more relaxed, thicker folds vibrating together. Think of a guitar string, or elastic band - as you create more tension on the string or band, the pitch rises and vise-versa.
Voice Changes
If you have prolonged changes in your voice, or discomfort whilst speaking/singing, an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon and Speech Pathologist can provide diagnostic and therapeutic information to support your needs. Errard Specialist Practice provides both of these services in house.
Caring for Your Voice
Just like any other part of your body, it's essential to take care of your vocal folds to maintain a healthy voice. Here are some tips to keep them in top condition:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal folds lubricated. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the vocal folds. Remember; What you drink today, can impact the hydration of your vocal folds tomorrow!
Avoid Strain: Don't push your voice too hard, especially when you're experiencing a sore throat.
Avoid excessive throat-clearing or coughing - Ellie can help you with ideas on how to manage this.
Warm Up and Cool Down: Before intensive vocal activities like singing or public speaking, warm up your voice with gentle exercises. Afterward, cool down with some light humming or gentle speech. Ellie can help design a program specifically for you.
