What is vocal fatigue?

Vocal fatigue refers to the sensation of vocal tiredness caused by prolonged use of the voice during speech or singing.

The act of producing an adequate vibration to achieve a strong, powerful voice — combined with overuse and lack of proper rest — can result in vocal fatigue, also known as phonasthenia.

It is a clinically complex condition to define, as it stems from a variety of factors: neuromuscular, biomechanical, environmental, and psychophysical.

It can also arise as a result of compensatory strategies used during extended periods of phonation, such as excessive muscular tension and poor vocal fold posture. For this reason, having an osteopath specialized in voice is important for consistent monitoring of vocal biomechanics.

Phonation is primarily carried out by the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, although extrinsic muscles are sometimes recruited — especially during periods of heavy or incorrect voice use, or after insufficient vocal warm-up. When extrinsic muscles are overly engaged in voice production, they can become fatigued, as they are not designed for that purpose.

Neuromuscular fatigue is caused by a reduced ability of the muscles to sustain tension under repeated stimulation. This results in fatigue and stress while speaking, breathing difficulties, instability in pitch and intensity control, frequent need to cough or clear the throat, and in some cases, pain in the neck and shoulders.

The onset of a dysfunctional phonatory system is often gradual. Symptoms usually begin with fatigue at the end of the day or after extended conversation. This fatigue may go away with vocal rest. However, if the body consistently requires rest after vocal effort, it may be a sign that something is not functioning properly in the phonatory system.

Vocal fatigue can also be linked to overall physical tiredness. For this reason, in some cases, symptoms lessen after a good night’s sleep. Both physical and vocal rest are recommended — especially when the voice will be used intensely the following day. After intense vocal use, taking a break equivalent in length to the speaking time is necessary. The recommendation is to limit speaking, avoid vocal strain, and not to overuse the voice. It is important to give the laryngeal mucosa enough time to recover properly and quickly.

Vocal health is closely tied to the correct use of the voice.

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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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