Quiz: Hoarse Sense

It is both frustrating and disorienting when you know you are speaking in your normal tone of voice but what actually comes out is just scratchy wisps of sound or even silence. But laryngitis, an inflammation of the voice box that causes hoarseness, is very common, especially with a cold. The condition is typically short-lived but it will still test your patience. But for now, let’s test your knowledge:

1. There are two folds of tissue, called vocal cords, inside what is commonly known as the voice box. The scientific name for the voice box is the ______.

A. Trachea
B. Epiglottis
C. Larynx
D. Pharynx

2. When your vocal cords swell, the sound they produce can be hoarse, raspy or nearly undetectable. This condition is called laryngitis, and is caused by _______.

A. A virus in the upper respiratory tract
B. Talking too much or yelling
C. Speaking at an abnormally high or low pitch
D. Bacterial infections
E. All of the above

3. All cases of laryngitis are acute, and improve within days or a few weeks.

A. True
B. False

4. Chronic laryngitis and other vocal cord disorders are primarily diagnosed only through symptoms, as the vocal cords themselves are difficult to see.

A. True
B. False

5. Vocal nodules, sometimes known as singer’s nodes, develop on each vocal cord from damage caused by repeated pressure (which is often a problem for professional singers). Nodules form in a similar way to a _______.

A. Cyst
B. Blister
C. Pimple
D. Callous

6. Lawyers and teachers are particularly likely to develop problems from vocal overuse.

A. True
B. False

1. C. Larynx. The smooth opening and closing of the vocal cords in the larynx creates movement and vibration, which forms the sound of our voice. 

2. E. All of the above. Laryngitis is often related to another illness, such as a cold, the flu, or bronchitis. In children it can occur from yelling during play or mimicking animals or animated characters.

3. B. False. Laryngitis is commonly acute, but if it lasts longer than three weeks it is considered chronic. In some cases, it can cause growths on the vocal cords.

4. B. False. For a chronic voice disorder, an ENT physician, or otolaryngologist, can perform certain tests such as a laryngoscopy. In a laryngoscopy, the ENT can view your vocal cords through a thin, lighted scope that is gently guided into your throat.

5. D. Callous. Vocal nodules form much like a callous forms on areas of your feet that are irritated by tight shoes.

6. A. True. Others at risk include clergy, cheerleaders, and professional voice users such as singers and actors. Much of the chronic hoarseness in children is caused by vocal overuse or misuse. 

Source: Krames Health Library