There are two vocal folds in the human body. Normally, the vocal folds close when we start to speak and the air from our lungs sets them into motion, allowing sound to occur. When one vocal fold is paralyzed, this means it will not open and close.

As a result, a person will typically sound hoarse and breathy (whisper-like) and may have difficulty getting strangled/choked while drinking liquids.

Treatment

Depending on a person’s needs, surgery, voice therapy, and swallowing therapy can be beneficial. Surgery can be performed to temporarily or permanently allow the vocal folds to come together again. Temporary surgeries are often performed if the vocal nerve is not permanently injured or if a person wants to “try out” to see if this type of treatment would be beneficial for his/her needs.

Pulmonary Conditions

The air from our lungs is our “power source” and helps us project our voice to others. If breathing is affected by conditions such as severe asthma, tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the windpipe), or lung cancer, a person may experience difficulty achieving the voice he/she used to have. Some medications used in treating pulmonary conditions can also affect the vocal folds.