A person may lose their voice for many reasons unrelated to sickness or infection. This may include vocal overuse, vocal cord nodules, and laryngopharyngeal reflux.
The larynx contains flaps of tissue called the ventricular folds. The vocal cords, or folds, run along the edges of these folds. These edges can open or close, allowing air to pass through the vocal cords.
The ability to speak comes from the larynx, or voice box, which connects to the windpipe in the throat.
When a person talks, air from the lungs vibrates the vocal cords, creating different tones according to their position.
Certain conditions may affect a person’s throat, which may cause the larynx to become inflamed. This may result in someone temporarily losing their voice. However, there are various reasons people may lose their voice that are unrelated to illness. This may include environmental factors or vocal fatigue.
Read on to learn more about the different factors unrelated to illness that may cause a person to lose their voice and when to speak with a doctor.