Most of the time, we do not think much about the way our voice sounds. We simply open our mouth and speak. But on some days, the voice comes out a little rough, weak or croaky. It may sound as if something in the throat is not working properly. In most cases, this happens for a simple reason.
Inside the throat are two tiny bands of tissue called vocal cords, or vocal folds. When we speak, air from the lungs passes through them and makes them vibrate. That vibration creates sound. For the voice to sound clear, the vocal folds need to move smoothly.
Sometimes, they do not. If the throat is dry because you have not had enough water, the folds may not vibrate easily. If you have been shouting, singing loudly or talking too much, they can become tired. A cold can also make the throat croaky because mucus builds up and the tissues become irritated. Even waking up in the morning can make the voice sound rough for a short time.
Dust, smoke and very cold air can also affect the throat. Some people sound croaky when they are nervous because the muscles around the throat become tight. In all these cases, the voice changes because the vocal folds are not moving as freely as usual.
Most of the time, the croaky sound goes away after rest, warm fluids and a little quiet. But if the voice stays rough for many days, it is a good idea to tell an adult and get it checked.
So the next time your throat sounds strange, do not panic. Your voice is usually just telling you that it needs a little care, a little water and a little rest.
