The voice is an essential instrument in human communication, and any alteration in it can have a significant impact on a person's life. Two common conditions that affect the voice are aphonia and dysphonia. At first glance, these terms may seem similar, but in reality they have important differences in terms of causes, symptoms and treatment.
Differences between aphonia and dysphonia
Aphonia: total loss of voice
Aphonia refers to the total loss of voice, which means that the affected person is unable to produce vocal sounds. This condition can be temporary or chronic, and can be due to various causes such as viral infections, injuries to the vocal cords, vocal abuse, neurological disorders, among others.
One of the most obvious symptoms of aphonia is the complete absence of voice, which can make communication difficult and generate frustration in the affected person. In addition to vocal loss, other symptoms may include pain when speaking, a burning sensation in the throat, or cough.
Treatment of hoarseness depends on the underlying cause. In cases of temporary hoarseness due to an infection, for example, it is recommended to rest your voice, hydrate yourself adequately, and avoid irritating factors such as smoke and dry air. In more serious cases, vocal therapy or even surgery may be required in some cases.
Dysphonia: voice disturbance
On the other hand, dysphonia refers to an alteration in the voice quality. This condition can manifest itself in different ways, such as hoarseness, harshness, vocal weakness or lack of control over the emission of sounds. Dysphonia can be caused by injuries to the vocal cords, nodules or polyps on the vocal cords, vocal abuse, respiratory diseases, among other causes.
The symptoms of dysphonia can vary depending on the underlying cause, but commonly include changes in vocal quality, difficulty speaking in high or low pitches, feeling of effort when speaking, and vocal fatigue. It is important to note that dysphonia can be both temporary and chronic, and its proper management is essential to preserve long-term vocal health.
Treatment of dysphonia also depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, vocal rest and vocal therapy are recommended to learn healthy vocal emission techniques, and in some specific cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to eliminate polyps or nodules that are affecting vocal quality.
Conclusions
In summary, aphonia and dysphonia are two conditions that affect the voice differently. While aphonia is characterized by the total loss of voice, dysphonia involves an alteration in vocal quality. It is important to consult with a voice specialist if you experience any voice-related symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve the quality of life of the affected person.
Remember that the voice is a treasure that we must take care of and protect, and any anomaly in it must be addressed in an appropriate and timely manner. Your voice is unique, take care of it!