Introduction
Voice is produced when streams of air turn into puffs of air by the vibration of vocal folds as it passes through the vocal folds. These puffs of air become voice and speech based on the shape of the mouth and the position of different articulators like the hard palate, soft palate, tongue, teeth, lips, mandible, and glottis. Voice is generally characterized by pitch, volume, and quality. An average voice typically has an appropriate pitch, good quality, and adequate volume. Rapid changes in these factors often result in an unstable voice.
What are voice breaks?
Voice breaks or voice cracks are interruptions that cause a sudden shift in voice. This shift could be a change in pitch or quality of voice. They are unintentional and may cause embarrassment and frustration. Voice breaks often make the voice sound less confident and can affect quality of life and career, especially for professional voice users. They can also impact singing, as maintaining pitch and quality is important.
Causes of voice breaks
Voice breaks often occur when vocal folds do not vibrate smoothly. Disruptions in vibrations can result in an abrupt shift in the amount of air passing through the vocal folds or a change in vibration frequency. These changes affect voice quality and pitch, producing a sudden ‘crack’ where the voice may shift, become hoarse, or stop temporarily. The voice usually returns to normal quickly.
Voice breaks are common during puberty, especially for individuals assigned male at birth. During puberty, vocal folds grow longer and thicker, and their movement can be unstable, causing sudden shifts in pitch and quality. These changes are temporary; the voice stabilizes once vocal folds finish developing.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions like vocal fold nodules, polyps, cysts, laryngitis, or hormonal imbalances can cause abrupt changes in voice.
Emotional or mental stress
Strong emotions such as sadness, anger, fear, or anxiety can lead to voice breaks.
Dehydration
Vocal folds move extremely fast; for example, the pitch of an average feminine voice is around 180–220 Hz, meaning the vocal folds touch each other 180–220 times per second. Well-hydrated folds vibrate smoothly, but dryness or dehydration can cause instability, resulting in voice breaks.
Vocal fatigue
Vocal fatigue is tiredness of the laryngeal muscles, including vocal folds. Speaking for long periods or loudly can tire these muscles. Loud speaking or singing forces folds to collide with greater force, making it harder to maintain vocal quality over time, which can lead to voice breaks.
Tensing of muscles in the larynx and vocal folds
Throat tension can tighten the larynx and vocal fold muscles, affecting vibration cycles. Anxiety or strained vocal technique can lead to tension. Changes in the vibration cycle can cause abrupt voice shifts, resulting in voice breaks.
Differences between voice breaks and inflections in voice
Voice breaks are abrupt, unintentional changes in pitch or quality. Vocal inflections are intentional pitch and tone changes used to convey emotion and meaning. Inflections can be controlled; voice breaks cannot. Breaks are caused by issues in vocal folds or laryngeal muscles, whereas inflections are a natural, expressive part of speech.
- Shift in voice is faster in voice breaks than in vocal inflections
- Voice breaks are unintentional; vocal inflections are intentional
- Tone changes with vocal inflections but not in voice breaks
- Voice breaks are due to issues in vocal muscles; inflections are natural
- Inflections add emotion and make speech engaging; breaks reduce appeal
Treating voice breaks
Treatment depends on the cause. Assessment is crucial to identify the underlying issue and determine the best approach.
Hydration
Dryness or dehydration should be addressed by drinking plenty of fluids. Steam inhalation can also help reduce dryness. Use safe practices when performing steam therapy.
Voice rest
Vocal fatigue requires reducing speech and avoiding loud voice until recovery. Early-stage vocal nodules or polyps can improve with voice rest, though advanced cases may require surgery.
Medications
Voice breaks due to infections (e.g., laryngitis) improve with treatment. Hormonal treatments may help if breaks are related to hormonal imbalances.
Relaxation techniques
Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, massages, and shifting resonance can relax throat tension. Managing stress or anxiety with professional help can also reduce voice breaks.
Preventing voice breaks
- Stay hydrated
- Treat medical conditions promptly
- Avoid vocal abuse (loud speaking/singing, noisy environments; use amplification when needed)
- Avoid tensing the throat
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Do vocal warm-ups
- Follow vocal hygiene practices to maintain healthy folds
Conclusion
Voice breaks occur when there is an abrupt, unintentional change in pitch or quality. They can cause embarrassment and impact quality of life. Voice breaks differ from vocal inflections. Consulting a professional helps identify the cause and treat voice breaks. Maintaining vocal fold health is key to prevention.
