What causes a voice to be broken?

1. Puberty

The most common cause of a broken voice is puberty. During puberty, the vocal cords grow and thicken, which can cause the voice to become deeper and more raspy. This is a normal part of development and usually does not require any treatment.

2. Vocal cord damage

Vocal cord damage can also cause a broken voice. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Overuse: overuse of the vocal cords, such as from singing or shouting, can cause them to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to a broken voice.

* Trauma: trauma to the vocal cords, such as from a car accident or a sports injury, can also cause a broken voice.

* Medical conditions: some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or neurological disorders, can also cause a broken voice.

3. Vocal cord paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerves that control the vocal cords are damaged. This can cause the vocal cords to become immobile, which can lead to a broken voice. Vocal cord paralysis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Stroke: a stroke can damage the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to vocal cord paralysis.

* Surgery: surgery on the neck or throat can also damage the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to vocal cord paralysis.

* Tumors: tumors in the neck or throat can also damage the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to vocal cord paralysis.

4. Other causes

In some cases, a broken voice can be caused by other factors, such as:

* Smoking: smoking can irritate the vocal cords and cause them to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to a broken voice.

* Alcohol: alcohol can also irritate the vocal cords and cause them to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to a broken voice.

* Allergies: allergies can cause the nose and throat to become congested, which can make it difficult to speak clearly and can lead to a broken voice.