Do I Have Muscle Tension Dysphonia?

Do you have a voice that sounds rough, hoarse, gravelly or raspy?

Do you have a voice that sounds weak, breathy, airy or is only a whisper?

Do you have a voice that sounds strained, pressed, squeezed, tight or tense?

Do you have a voice that suddenly cuts out, breaks off, changes pitch or fades away?

Does your voice get weaker the longer you use it?

Do you have too high, too low or unstable tone of voice?

Do you have difficulty singing notes that used to be easy?

Do you have pain or tension in the throat when speaking or singing?

Do you feel like your throat is tired when speaking or singing?

Do you have tightness and even muscle aches in the throat?

Do you have the need to clear your throat often or have a feeling of a lump in your throat?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have muscle tension dysphonia. Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a condition characterized by changes in voice quality. Usually, people with MTD do not have abnormality of the vocal cords or larynx (voice box). MTD occurs when the muscles around the larynx are so tight that they prevent you from speaking in your usual voice. This is one of the most common voice disorders. It is most common in women in the age group of 40 to 50 years. The symptoms may be triggered by talking, exposure to irritants or allergens, stress, or exercising.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have muscle tension dysphonia. Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a common voice disorder that refers to changes in the sound of your voice. MTD is the result of an excessive tension in the muscles of your voice box (larynx). There are two types of MTD: primary and secondary. In the primary MTD the muscles of the voice box (larynx) are tense, but there are no abnormalities of the vocal cords and larynx. Secondary MTD is characterized by pathological changes in the vocal cords or larynx, which cause excessive use of other muscles to create the voice.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). MTD is a voice disorder characterized by increased tension in the muscles of your voice box, so it cannot function properly. The main feature of this condition is the altered voice quality. MTD is difficult to diagnose. A diagnosis is based on a detailed assessment of your voice and a vocal cords examination (camera examination). Treatment includes voice therapy. The goal of voice therapy is to reduce tension in the throat and recover the voice. Your doctor may recommend other methods to relieve tension, such as massage, acupuncture, psychotherapy or physical therapy.