The 2 differences between aphonia and dysphonia (explained)

The voice is one of the most useful instruments of the human being, being what allows us to use our main means of communication: oral language.

In addition to being something that is present in our day to day, there are many people whose work depends on the voice, such as singers, teachers, telemarketers, tour guides... And therefore, when the voice is altered it is inevitable that we realize it and suffer a lot discomfort.

Aphonia and dysphonia are two terms colloquially used synonymously, used to describe when our voice fails us. They are really two different concepts, with their peculiarities and, therefore, below we are going to discover the main differences between aphonia and dysphonia.

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Main differences between aphonia and dysphonia

The voice is a very present element in our lives, both daily and professionally. Human language has been evolving and becoming more sophisticated thanks to the fact that our species has a very complex buccophoning apparatus

, capable of emitting hundreds of different phonemes, which is why the main means of communication to which We use people to transmit our ideas, emotions, thoughts and opinions is the oral modality of the language.

If we had to give a list of all the professions where the voice is fundamental, this would not end. In one way or another, in all professions, and practically in any situation that may occur to us, we need to speak, use oral language and, therefore, have a voice in good condition is essential, and much more if we take into account its importance in professions as a singer, telemarketer, actor, teacher, tour guide or radio presenter.

Unfortunately, it is not strange that the voice sometimes fails us. Terms like "aphonia", "dysphonia" or "hoarseness" are common in the general vocabulary, words that everyone knows and that attributes a meaning to them, often the same. However, these three words are not synonymous, but although they refer to voice disorders, they refer to different degrees of inability to make sounds.

1. Differences in the severity of the problem

Let's start with the dysphonia. This word is composed of the prefix "dis" and the word "phoneia", both of Greek origin and which are translated as "bad sound". This refers to a qualitative and quantitative phonation disorder, either due to organic or functional causes related to the larynx, in which the normal timbre of the voice is lost but the ability to emit sounds is not lost. In dysphonia our voice is altered, but we can continue speaking.

Instead, aphonia (from “a” and “phone”, “without voice”) refers to the condition in which the voice is completely missing. This means that, the many times that we say that we are hoarse, we are not actually using the term correctly, since being hoarse, in its most literal sense, is not being able to emit sound any. What we would really be in that situation is dysphonic, or having a hoarse voice.

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2. Symptoms

Aphonia and dysphonia can be understood as two terms belonging to a continuum, with aphonia being the most extreme situation of dysphonia, in which not only the voice would be affected but it would have been directly lost, this being the most striking difference. Apart from this, there are other differences in the form of common symptoms of one or another condition, which we will see below.

Symptoms of dysphonia

The quantitative and qualitative alteration of phonation brings with it a series of vocal characteristics or signs that differ according to the type of dysphonia, depending on the organic or functional origin. The signs of these phonation disturbances can appear in isolation or in combination between yes, and it is common for the symptoms, in the form of patient complaints, to coincide with the following signs:

• Hoarseness
• Monotonous voice
• Trembling voice
• Aphonia episodes
• Changes in the intensity of the voice
• Loss of treble
• Feeling short of breath when talking

Added to this, the patient usually indicates that he has non-phonatory symptoms:

• Cough
• Itch
• Clear my throat
• Foreign body sensation when swallowing
• Mild or moderate sore throat when speaking

Symptoms of aphonia

In the case of aphonia, the two main symptoms are the most extreme of hoarseness and the absolute inability to speak. The same symptoms do not occur as in dysphonia, such as a shaky voice or loss of treble, because it does not directly have a voice. As for the non-phonatory symptoms, these resemble those of dysphonia, being the following:

• Throat pain
• Vocal cord spasm
• Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids

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How does the loss of voice occur?

The progression from dysphonia to aphonia is gradual. We can consider that aphonia is the last step, the final station of a process of alteration and damage of the voice in which no precautions have been taken to avoid losing the voice, whether temporary or permanently. The main reasons why you may experience a decrease in your voice are:

• Inflammation of the larynx and swelling of the vocal cords.
• Stomach acid reflux: These acids end up irritating the vocal cords.
• Viral infections such as colds can irritate and inflame the vocal cords.
• Hemorrhage in the vocal cords.

As we can see, the main phenomenon involved in aphonia and dysphonia are inflammation of the vocal cords., two bands of flexible muscle tissue that meet at the entrance to the windpipe. The vocal cords are like any other muscle, that is, they need to be warmed up and cared for so that they are not injured. By over-exerting, they can be damaged and, if they are not properly treated or their injury is not remedied, the problem will end up increasing.

Inflammation in the vocal cords makes the front part of the vocal cords unable to vibrate, while the back part remains a space that does not close properly, causing the air to escape without producing sound. The combination of these two problems means that intelligible sounds cannot be articulated, no matter how much the vocal cords are tightened.

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Treatment and prevention

Hoarseness and hoarseness are two degrees of the same problem: inflammation in the vocal cords. For this reason, the solution is the same for both conditions, the reduction of inflammation of the strings, first letting them rest and, if necessary, go to pharmacology. It is essential not to force the voice, since it can create a vicious cycle in the inflamed strings, swelling and damaging even more. And, to prevent both of these problems, avoid using too loud a voice or yelling often.

Contrary to what popular culture suggests, we should not speak in whispers when we are hoarse and hoarse. In fact, otolaryngologists say that whispering is just the opposite of what should be done, since with what is done is to tighten the vocal cords even more, aggravating the dysphonia and going directly to the aphonia. What you should do is try to speak normally, with the voice that comes out or, directly, avoid saying anything, since the best treatment is total rest.

Following a healthy lifestyle is an ally to avoid these two problems. Foods with vitamin A such as dairy, carrots, broccoli or spinach, help to regenerate and repair tissues; while foods with vitamin E, such as walnuts and avocado stimulate the defenses, and it is essential to keep the throat well hydrated. And of course, tobacco and alcoholic beverages should be avoided at all costs.

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Can something more serious happen?

Normally, cases of dysphonia are solved in a matter of days, however, if not, a doctor should be consulted to assess the severity of the case. Most likely, this professional will prescribe pain relievers to reduce throat discomfort, in addition to rest.

But sometimes what is behind aphonia and dysphonia can be much more serious, a medical condition that requires urgent pharmacological and surgical intervention and caused by something as dangerous as a tumor. It can also be due to some congenital malformation, such as alterations in the laryngeal membranes, angiomas, laryngeal papillomas ...

In adulthood, dysphonia can be caused by neurological problems of the larynx, such as dysphonia. spasm, characterized by spasms of the voice that prevents regular vocal flow, in Parkinson's or myasthenia gravis. It can also occur due to endocrinology., such as myxedema of hypothyroidism or changes in the climacteric.