Symptoms of vocal fatigue

The biomechanical mechanisms behind vocal fatigue are not yet fully understood. It is believed that an increase in tissue viscosity may be a contributing factor. Studies have shown that vocal fatigue has a higher incidence in women, possibly due to a naturally higher fundamental frequency (F0), which leads to greater tissue friction.

Clinically, vocal fatigue is usually defined based on symptoms such as:

• Increased phonatory effort

• Decreased phonatory function

• Itching, irritation, or burning in the laryngeal and/or perilaryngeal area

• Dry cough and frequent need to clear the throat

• Excess mucus on the vocal cords and a sensation of a foreign body

• Reduced control over vocal quality

• Lack of intensity and/or vocal power

• Loss of high frequencies and difficulty with low tones

• Breathy voice

• Monotonous speech

• Preference for silence

• Odynophagia (pain when swallowing)

• Vocal breaks

These symptoms typically do not appear suddenly, but instead progress gradually until they become a significant problem.

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Valentina Carlile - Osteopath specializing in Osteopathy for Voice and Speech Disorders since 2002. For information and bookings, visit the Contact page.

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