Most people lose their voice due to one or more of the following: abuse (e.g. shouting), overuse (e.g. too much vocal activity without rest), or misuse (e.g. unhealthy speaking habits). Identifying and adjusting these patterns is key to recovery and long-term vocal health.
“Why do I keep losing my voice?”
As well as…
- “Why am I constantly hoarse?”
- “I feel like I’m never getting back to full strength vocally”
The truth is, losing your voice can be caused by something very small and simple, but is a serious, serious thing whatever your job.
I meet a lot of speakers (e.g. church preachers, business-people, teachers, call-centre staff, etc) who are losing their voice on a regular basis throughout the year.
Why is this?
This is due to abuse, overuse, and/or misuse.
When we do any or all of these things we cause a swelling in the vocal cords — an edema. If we are not careful, this general swelling can become localised inflammation such as nodules… which can carry serious consequences (read more about nodules here).
The best way to tackle losing your voice (before even talking about voice therapy) is to identify where you are abusing, misusing or overusing your voice in the week.
IMPORTANT DEFINITION: A comfortable speaking volume is the volume you would use when holding a conversation with one other person, in a completely silent room. This is your voice’s natural weight and calibration showing through. Bear that in mind as we read the following:
AREA 1 – Abuse
This is often the easiest one to spot. If you spend a lot of time at football matches or clubs, then you’re going to be shouting. It only takes a few minutes of intense shouting to cause noticeable damage to your vocal cords.
Even a soft yell or aggressive speaking style used for dramatic effect can wear on your cords over time.
Mark’s Suggestion: Reduce your weekly vocal load
Look for regular events where you’re raising your voice and reduce the frequency, duration, or intensity where possible.
AREA 2 – Overuse
This one is trickier. Many people don’t realise how much they’re using their voice. You might not be shouting, but you may be speaking at length over multiple days without rest.
Mark’s Suggestion: Establish and change problematic patterns
Track when your voice starts to fatigue. Look for back-to-back vocal-heavy days and reduce usage where possible. Rest is critical.
AREA 3 – Misuse
Misuse refers to how you’re using your voice, even if the volume and duration aren’t extreme. Speaking with excess breathiness, glottal tension, or vocal fry can wear out your voice over time.
Mark’s Suggestion: Establish a base-line of your voice, and stick to it
Compare your neutral speaking voice to how you sound during work or stress. You may be deviating from healthy norms without realising it.
Summary
Question: Why do I keep losing my voice?
Answer: Abuse, overuse and misuse
Revisit your week and assess these three areas. With a few simple changes, most people see massive improvements within weeks—and lasting resilience within a few months.
Try following the above suggestions, and look after your voice — it’s the only one you’ve got!
Learn More: Related Articles
