What Causes Voice Cracks in Adults? Key Reasons and Remedies
A voice crack is when your voice suddenly changes pitch or breaks while speaking or singing. It might go unexpectedly high, low, or sound shaky, often catching you off guard. While they might feel embarrassing or frustrating, voice cracks are a normal experience for many people and usually happen during moments of vocal strain, fatigue, or changes in your voice, like during puberty.
The good news is that voice cracks are usually manageable once you understand what’s causing them. Whether they happen occasionally or are persistent, this article will discuss the common reasons behind voice cracks and provide practical tips to help you keep your voice smooth, strong, and confident.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Voice Cracks: Voice cracks occur when the vocal cords struggle to maintain stability, often caused by strain, dryness, or improper technique.
Causes of Vocal Instability: Factors like dehydration, stress, aging, and medical conditions like acid reflux or nodules can contribute to vocal instability in adults.
Remedies for Vocal Stability: Maintaining vocal stability involves staying hydrated, resting your voice, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and practicing gentle vocal exercises.
When to Seek Professional Help: Persistent or frequent vocal issues may indicate the need for professional help from a speech or voice therapist.
What Causes Voice Cracks in Adults and Teens?
How To Prevent And Manage Voice Cracks
How Professional Voice Therapy Can Help
What Causes Voice Cracks in Adults and Teens?
What Are Voice Cracks?
A voice crack happens when your vocal cords momentarily lose control, causing an unexpected change in pitch or sound. It’s like your voice suddenly jumps or breaks, often catching you off guard. This happens because the vocal cords, which vibrate to create sound, temporarily struggle to work together, leading to a noticeable shift.
Why Do Voice Cracks Occur?
Voice cracks are most commonly associated with puberty. During puberty, the vocal folds thicken, leading to a lower pitch in the voice and often causing vocal cracks as the body adjusts to these changes.
However, voice cracks can happen at any age and are not limited to adolescence.
The human voice is produced when air from the lungs passes through the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate and create sound. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, are delicate folds of tissue that require proper tension, hydration, and coordination to function smoothly. The vocal cords vibrate seamlessly when everything is balanced, producing clear and stable sound.
However, several factors can disrupt this process. Tension, whether from physical strain or emotional stress, can cause the muscles around the vocal cords to suddenly tighten, leading to vocal cord strain and interfering with their vibration.
Similarly, dehydration can make the vocal cords less flexible and more prone to sticking, resulting in uneven sound. Irritants like smoke or acid reflux can also inflame the cords, compromising their ability to work effectively.
When speaking or singing, a lack of proper support from the chest voice for lower notes or the head voice for higher notes can cause unnecessary tension. Improper usage and sudden changes in pitch increase the likelihood of vocal strain, which often results in voice cracks.
Recognizing these distinctions can help determine whether vocal instabilities are a passing inconvenience or a sign that something needs closer attention.
How To Prevent And Manage Voice Cracks
Preventing and managing voice cracks starts with understanding the common causes and making simple changes to protect your vocal health. Below are key factors that can lead to vocal instability and practical steps to address them.
Vocal Strain
Overusing or misusing your voice is one of the most common reasons for voice cracks. Activities like shouting, speaking for long periods without breaks, or failing to use proper breath support can strain the vocal cords. If left unchecked, this strain can cause irritation, fatigue, and even long-term damage.
Take regular breaks when speaking or singing for extended periods to reduce strain. Practicing breathing exercises can also help improve vocal control by providing steady airflow to support your voice, whether you’re speaking or using your singing voice.
Dehydration
Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your vocal cords flexible and well-lubricated. Without enough water, the vocal cords can become dry and stiff, making it harder for them to vibrate smoothly. This can result in a raspy or unstable voice that is more prone to cracks.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider sipping warm, non-caffeinated beverages like herbal tea to soothe your throat. Avoid dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol, as they can make your vocal cords more vulnerable to strain.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional tension doesn’t just affect your body—it can also impact your voice. Stress and anxiety can tighten the muscles in your throat and around the vocal cords, restricting airflow and making it harder to produce a steady sound.
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga, can help ease this tension and improve vocal stability. Regular stress management can also have a long-term positive effect on your voice.
Medical Concerns
Certain health conditions can interfere with the function of your vocal cords. Acid reflux can irritate and inflame the vocal cords, while nodules or polyps can physically disrupt their vibrations. Neurological disorders that affect muscle coordination may also contribute to vocal instability.
If you suspect an underlying medical issue, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional or ENT specialist. Timely treatment can address the root cause and help restore your voice.
Aging
As we age, the vocal cords naturally lose some of their elasticity and strength, which can result in a weaker or less stable voice. These changes are normal but can be managed with vocal exercises and proper care. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining overall health can also support vocal stability.
Improper Vocal Technique
Using poor vocal techniques, such as speaking from the throat instead of supporting your voice with proper breath control, can lead to unnecessary strain. For public speaking or singing, focus on using the chest voice and warming up your vocal cords before intense use. Similarly, avoid excessive force or strain when hitting higher notes to prevent fatigue and instability. Practicing breathing exercises regularly can help develop a stronger singing voice and improve overall vocal control.
How Professional Voice Therapy Can Help
Professional voice therapy is a highly effective way to address and resolve issues like voice cracks and vocal instability. By working with a trained speech-language pathologist or vocal coach, individuals can better understand how their voice functions and develop the skills needed to use it more effectively and confidently.
Benefits of Voice Therapy
Voice therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of vocal issues through personalized techniques and exercises. Tailored vocal exercises target specific challenges, such as reducing muscle tension, improving breath support, and enhancing vocal cord coordination.
Breath support is a critical component of voice therapy, as proper airflow ensures the vocal cords can vibrate smoothly and consistently. Techniques that emphasize controlled breathing stabilize the voice and reduce strain and fatigue.
With regular practice and professional guidance, individuals can strengthen their vocal performance, gain better control, and reduce the likelihood of future issues. Therapy helps restore vocal health and builds confidence in everyday communication and public speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vocal Cords
1. Can voice cracks come from vocal cord lesions?
Yes, voice cracks can result from vocal cord lesions. Lesions, such as nodules or polyps, can develop on the vocal cords and interfere with their ability to vibrate smoothly. This disruption may cause instability in the voice, including cracking or changes in pitch.
The larynx, or voice box, houses the vocal cords; any damage or irritation to this area can impact vocal quality. If you suspect lesions or experience persistent voice cracks, consulting an ENT specialist or speech therapist is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Is it normal to have voice cracks as an adult?
Occasional voice cracks in adulthood are not uncommon and can be caused by factors like vocal strain, dehydration, or stress. Understanding and staying within one's vocal range is crucial to preventing voice cracks and maintaining vocal health.
However, frequent or persistent voice cracks may indicate an underlying issue, such as improper vocal technique, medical conditions, or aging-related changes in the vocal cords. If voice cracks become a regular concern, it’s a good idea to consult a voice therapist or specialist for guidance.
3. How do you know if your vocal cords are damaged?
Signs of vocal cord damage include persistent hoarseness, breathiness, difficulty projecting your voice, or a noticeable change in pitch or tone. Additional symptoms might include pain or discomfort when speaking, frequent throat clearing, or vocal fatigue.
If these issues persist for more than two weeks or significantly affect your ability to communicate, it is recommended that you seek evaluation from a speech therapist or ENT specialist. Proper assessment can help identify the cause and guide effective treatment.
How Connected Speech Pathology Can Help
Connected Speech Pathology specializes in helping individuals overcome vocal issues, like voice cracks, through personalized and evidence-based therapy. Our team understands that every voice is unique, and we tailor our approach to address each client’s specific needs, whether it’s managing voice cracks, strengthening vocal stability, or addressing underlying conditions.
After thoroughly assessing your vocal habits, health history, and goals, our speech-language pathologist designs a voice therapy plan that meets your specific needs. One of the unique aspects of our service is the convenience of remote therapy.
For years, Connected Speech Pathology has successfully delivered speech and voice therapy entirely online, allowing clients to receive expert care without leaving their homes. This approach eliminates the need for travel, making therapy accessible even for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. Our virtual platform provides a seamless and interactive experience, enabling real-time feedback and guidance from experienced professionals.
Summary
Voice cracks in adults may feel awkward, but they are often a manageable sign of deeper vocal dynamics. Understanding the mechanics of your voice and the factors that affect its stability can lead to practical solutions. From hydration and proper rest to professional voice therapy, there are numerous ways to support vocal health and avoid voice breaks.
By addressing underlying causes and integrating relaxation techniques, adults who are singers or public speakers can overcome vocal instability and enjoy renewed confidence in their voices. Whether experiencing occasional challenges or persistent issues, taking proactive steps toward vocal care ensures your voice remains an asset in personal and professional communication.
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
