"Voice changes and it's weird" What about prevention and treatment of voice diseases?
Aug 09, 2024
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Albert Mehrabian, a professor emeritus of psychology at UCLA, analyzed the factors that determine the impression (the message's delivery factor) when they first meet someone. As a result of the study, the decisive factor was image, not the content of words. It is said that 38% of the voice, 35% of the facial expression, and 20% of the attitude had an effect on determining the other person's impression or likability, while only 7% of the speaking content itself had an effect. Especially when talking on the phone, the influence of voice rose to 82%. This is a disproving of the importance of images such as voices in communication.
Voice is an air wave caused by air from the lungs vibrating the vocal cords. Each individual has different characteristics, just like fingerprints (指紋). This is because different anatomical elements of each individual, such as respiratory organs, vocal organs, pharynx, and oral cavity, are involved. Voice disease is a disease in which organic or functional abnormalities occur in these anatomical elements, causing problems in vocalization and changes in voice. Voice expresses characteristics in terms of sound intensity, pitch (frequency, pitch), and tone, and if these characteristics are out of the standard range of the same age group or gender, they are diagnosed as voice disorders or voice diseases.
However, the problem is that there are not a few cases where voice disorders or voice diseases are not recognized as diseases and are left unattended. In addition, diseases caused by excessive voice use, such as vocal cord nodules and polyps, are often linked to livelihoods, making it difficult to treat them.
Nam In-cheol, a professor of otolaryngology at Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, said, `The voice tends to be left to the idea that it will heal itself even if it changes suddenly or if something goes wrong, but sudden voice changes and abnormalities are diseases that need to be treated.'"If the voice changes, the symptoms can be improved in a short period of time only after initial examination and treatment." Even if you need a short break, it can be a smart way to concentrate, treat, and return to your job as soon as possible."
▶ Do not leave negative or abnormalities unattended, but should be tested and treated early
There are several causes of voice disease. Largely △ Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vocal cords due to smoking or a sore throat △ In the case of laryngeal reflux disease △ In the case of using a lot of voice (sexual polyps, vocal cysts, vocal nodules) △ In the case of the nerves that move the vocal cords sending the wrong signal (condensate vocal disturbance) △ Neurological problem (voice disturbance due to brain damage) △ Laryngeal cancer, etc. In particular, there are cases in which the vocal cords are paralyzed and the voice seems to be deflated, which can be caused by thyroid cancer or lung cancer, although it may occur for no specific reason.
In order to diagnose a voice disease, a vocal laryngoscopy that directly observes the structure of the vocal cords and checks the vocal function is necessary. In addition, a voice-acoustic test is also performed to objectively show the voice condition heard by the ear. The voice sound test analyzes the voice condition with a computer to check the degree of vocal function and development status.
The most basic treatment is voice treatment, which normalizes the function of the vocal cords to help normal voice generation. There is also a surgical method of removing lesions, and a method of treating the vocal cords through injections of drugs, Botox, and fillers. However, non-invasive treatment such as negative treatment and drugs takes precedence over surgery.
Although it depends on the cause, negative treatment is usually performed once a week for about a month. After that, the treatment is extended or terminated according to the patient's satisfaction. Vocal nodules often show excellent treatment results close to cure through negative treatment. However, for voice disorders caused by vocal polyps, flexible vocal disorders, laryngeal cancer, it is better to consider other methods such as surgery or Botox injection rather than voice treatment.
▶ Many occupations require regular laryngeal checkups or voice training
To protect your voice and prevent voice diseases, it is recommended to refrain from being loud and high-pitched if possible. On the other hand, the habit of whispering too small to vocalize is not good for the vocal cords. It is important to keep your voice comfortable and suitable for your ability. In addition, it is recommended to drink enough water normally and avoid causative agents or drinks that can dry the larynx, such as caffeine and antihistamines. In particular, smoking should be avoided as much as it can cause laryngeal cancer. In addition, to prevent reflux disease, break the habit of lying down immediately after eating and avoid clothes that are tight in the stomach. Above all, it is recommended to have regular laryngeal checkups or voice education for occupations that specialize in voice.
Professor Nam In-cheol said, `The principle of voice therapy to find my voice is to identify the cause first and provide the appropriate treatment rather than simply setting the purpose of treatment to make a good voice.' `However, since voice therapy focuses on education and vocal habits unlike drugs and surgery, patients may think that it is not a proper treatment, but this is the most important part of voice therapy, so you should actively engage in treatment with a positive mind," he said.
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