BANGI, May 31 — Whispering is usually regarded as a safer way to speak when experiencing hoarseness, a sore throat or throat inflammation as many believe it helps rest the larynx...
Trump says he’s the GOAT, bigger than Elvis, ready to headline America’s 250th after ‘third‑rate artists’ fleeSpeaking in a whisper is often considered a more suitable option when you have a hoarse voice, sore throat or strep throat because it is believed to rest the voice box and prevent the condition from getting worse.
— Bernama pic! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. BANGI, May 31 — Whispering is usually regarded as a safer way to speak when experiencing hoarseness, a sore throat or throat inflammation as many believe it helps rest the larynx or voice box and prevents the condition from worsening.
Dr Nadhirah Mohd Shakri, a surgeon and clinical lecturer at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , said many people misunderstand the effects whispering can have on the voice.
“Many do not realise that whispering can actually place strain on the voice box. When whispering, individuals tend to use the neck muscles and voice box forcefully to produce sound.
“If done repeatedly or over a prolonged period, it can cause tension in the voice box and disrupt healthy voice production,” she told Bernama after the Specialised Voice Care Training Programme for Muezzins held in conjunction with World Voice Day 2026 here recently. According to Dr Nadhirah, prolonged strain caused by improper voice use may expose individuals to conditions such as muscle tension dysphonia, as well as lead to the formation of growths, including vocal cord nodules, polyps and cysts.
She said habits such as shouting or speaking too loudly also increase the risk of injuries to the voice box, including minor bleeding in the vocal folds that may lead to the formation of vocal polyps. Be alert to early signs of voice disorders, including hoarseness lasting more than two weeks, voice tiring easily, or the need to strain while speaking to the point that the neck feels sore.
— Bernama pic “If complications such as vocal cord cysts or polyps occur, surgery may be required. However, procedures involving the voice box also carry the risk of scarring, which can affect voice quality in the long term.
“That is why I always stress that prevention is better than treatment. Early screening is important to determine whether someone has a voice disorder or is using improper vocal techniques,” she said.
“Reflux is not just a digestive problem because stomach acid can also affect the voice box, causing symptoms such as hoarseness, throat discomfort or frequent throat-clearing,” she said. She also advised the public to be alert to early signs of voice disorders, including hoarseness lasting more than two weeks, voice tiring easily, or the need to strain while speaking to the point that the neck feels sore.
“If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, consult an ENT specialist for further examination. Don’t rely solely on remedies such as honey or lemon without identifying the actual cause.
“We need to examine the condition of the voice box through endoscopy because that is the only way to determine whether there are nodules, growths or other abnormalities,” she said. Meanwhile, HCTM UKM speech rehabilitation officer Dr Nor Shahrina Mohd Zawawi advised individuals who rely heavily on their voices, such as teachers, lecturers, speakers, trainers and singers, to learn proper vocal techniques to avoid injury to the voice box.
She said excessive voice use without proper technique may lead to vocal fatigue, neck tension and gradual changes in voice quality.
“Many people only seek treatment when their voice becomes severely hoarse or disappears completely, even though early signs such as tiring easily while speaking, frequent throat-clearing or throat discomfort also indicate the voice box is under strain,” she said. Dr Nor Shahrina said good vocal hygiene or voice care practices include staying well-hydrated, getting adequate vocal rest and reducing voice use when experiencing a cough, sore throat or respiratory infection.
“Speech and voice therapy can help individuals learn safer and more efficient breathing, voice production and resonance techniques suited to their professional and lifestyle needs,” she said. — Bernama
Dr Nadhirah Mohd Shakri HCTM UKM Vocal Cord Nodules World Voice Day Voice Disorders
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Starchild: Why are Malaysian kids fascinated by travelling around the world?TAIPEI, May 29 (Reuters) - Taiwan chip designer MediaTek said on Friday it supports both TSMC's and Intel's advanced packaging technologies, allowing customers to choose between the two approaches.
Read more »
Malaysian Pair Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai Out of Singapore OpenMalaysian young doubles pair Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Singapore Open after losing to world No. 4 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India 21-19, 17-21, 13-21. They had earlier upset world No. 7 Indonesian pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.
Read more »
Malaysian Mixed Doubles Pair Forced to Withdraw from Singapore Open Semi-Final Due to Knee InjuryWorld number four mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei withdrew from the Singapore Open semi-final after Ee Wei suffered a knee injury. Despite leading 18-16, the pair retired, granting a walkover to India's Kapila-Crasto. Ee Wei was seen in tears and carried off in a wheelchair. Partner Tang Jie stressed health over competition.
Read more »
Creation of Malaysian Song 'Mulanya Di Sini' by Freedom BandThe story of how the song Mulanya Di Sini was composed by Royston Sta Maria and lyricist Syed Haron Syed Ahmad in 1986, leading to its release by the band Freedom in 1987 and becoming one of Malaysia most beloved singalong hits.
Read more »