Physical Trauma and Vocal Changes: Can Your Voice Get Deeper?

Physical trauma doesn't necessarily damage your voice, but it can in specific cases. This article delves into the relationship between physical and psychological trauma and vocal changes, particularly focusing on whether physical trauma can make your voice deeper and how such changes occur.

Understanding Physical Trauma to the Voice Box

Physical trauma to the larynx, often referred to as the voice box, can indeed damage your vocal cords. This can occur during various activities, such as screaming, yelling, shouting, or prolonged intubation. Certain physical blows, like those to the neck, can dislocate the cartilages that attach to the vocal cords, leading to further damage.

Symptoms and Aftermath

Physical trauma to the vocal folds doesn't always result in a "deeper" voice. In many cases, what is perceived as a deeper voice is actually a voice with more hoarseness or harshness. These changes can make the voice less stable, less clear, and less appealing. Hoarse or harsh voices carry less far and interfere with clear communication, primarily due to the "noise" that disrupts the clarity of the voice.

Seek Medical and Professional Help

If you suspect that physical trauma has affected your voice, it is recommended to consult a laryngologist, a sub-speciality of otolaryngology - ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine. A laryngologist can evaluate the condition of your larynx and vocal folds and refer you to a speech-language pathologist for voice assessment and treatment. The speech-language pathologist would need the laryngologist's diagnosis to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Psychological Trauma and Voice Changes

While physical trauma is a significant concern, emotional and psychological trauma can also impact one’s voice. Sometimes, following a traumatic experience, a person may lose their voice or find it challenging to speak. Stress and trauma can lead to changes in voice quality that include making the voice sound deeper or hoarse.

Theories and Explanations

There are several theories to explain how psychological trauma can lead to vocal changes. For instance, during a traumatic event, an individual might try to scream, even if it is muffled, which can lead to vocal strain. Another theory suggests that psychological trauma can lead to psychological vocal cord paralysis, where an individual becomes too stressed or traumatized to speak clearly.

Professional Assessment and Treatment

Whether the trauma is physical or psychological, professional assessment and treatment are crucial. Referral for both voice and psychological assessment and treatment should be considered to address the complexities of post-traumatic voice changes. A holistic approach that includes both medical and psychological interventions can help manage and treat these issues effectively.

Understanding the nuances of how physical and psychological trauma can affect your voice is important. If you or someone you know is experiencing these changes, seeking medical and professional help is essential for a proper assessment and effective treatment.