The Voice That Breaks Under Stress
The Voice That Breaks Under Stress: From Sudden Spasms to Vocal Cord Paralysis
Coinciding with World Voice Day, a faculty member at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences warned about the impact of intense psychological tension on the vocal system, noting that stress can push the human voice to the brink of silence.
According to a report by the University's Webda reporter, Dr. Arezoo Hasanvand, a faculty member of the Speech Therapy Department at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasized the importance of the voice as a communicative tool and its vital role in human interaction. She stated: The body's biochemical reactions to stress—ranging from life-threatening spasms to vocal cord paralysis—can severely threaten the quality of our human connections.
She added: While fear is a natural survival mechanism, in crisis conditions and long-term warfare, it places the body in a fight or flight state, which has serious consequences for the vocal system.
The Speech Therapy faculty member explained that the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol in response to a threat affects not only heart rate and blood pressure but also the laryngeal muscles. Dr. Hasanvand highlighted one of the most dangerous complications, laryngospasm, adding: In this condition, the vocal cords lock, and the airway becomes obstructed—a situation that can even lead to death. She noted that in severe cases, bystanders can assist the individual by tilting the head back, lifting the jaw, and performing breathing techniques.
Furthermore, Dr. Hasanvand addressed other specialized issues, such as vocal cord paralysis caused by vagus nerve dysfunction, Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) triggered by intense stress.
Emphasizing the importance of tension management and its effect on the voice, she advised: Individuals experiencing symptoms such as vocal fatigue, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat (globus sensation), or difficulty swallowing for more than two weeks must seek professional evaluation at medical centers.
Dr. Hasanvand concluded: Conscious anxiety management, maintaining vocal hygiene, adequate hydration throughout the day, and proper breath management are the primary strategies for preventing these injuries during periods of tension. Let us not forget that the voice is our most important tool for speech and human communication, and April 16th—World Voice Day—is an opportunity to pay attention to this vital communicative instrument.
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