This is a change in your voice that's linked to a muscle imbalance in and around your larynx. That's your voice box. This imbalance changes the way your voice sounds or feels. Once you start speaking this way it can be hard to unlearn, even when the underlying cause of the imbalance is treated.
Why does it happen? Muscle tension dysphonia can be caused by a respiratory infection like a cold or flu. It may be caused by breathing in something that irritates your airway. It could also be linked to some other trigger, like a very stressful event. These things can lead to a tightness developing in the muscles that control your voice. Once you feel this tightness, you begin to use these voice muscles in a different way. You may begin to rely on muscles you previously didn't use to help produce your voice. This results in a muscle imbalance.
What are the symptoms? Muscle tension dysphonia changes the way your voice sounds or feels. Your voice may sound tired, rough, hoarse or breathy. It may sound tight or squeezed. The pitch may be higher or lower than normal. Your voice may suddenly cut out when you're speaking. And you may have pain when you speak or sing.
How do we treat it? We manage this condition with voice therapy and with things that help relieve tension (like massage therapy). And if we can figure out the underlying cause of your problem, we may need to treat that, too. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.