FAQ: How do I Make a ‘Normal Voice’?

posted: Oct. 18, 2023

One of the most common questions we hear from patients is how they can make a ‘normal voice’. Although ‘normal’ is rather subjective, there are some things you can do to help make using your voice easier.

Voicing (speaking) happens in three very quick actions:

Inhalation (taking the air in)
Exhalation (letting the air out)
Phonation (making a voice)

STEP 1 : INHALATION – TAKING THE AIR IN

The first step in making sounds (aah and ooo, for example) is to bring air into the lungs This process is called inhalation.

During inhalation air is brought into your body, through your nose or mouth
It then passes through the top part of a tube called the voice box or larynx
Next the air passes through the lower part of the air tube (the trachea)
Finally, the air fills your lungs

STEP 2: EXHALATION – GETTING THE AIR OUT

The next step in making a sound is to release (exhale) the air from your lungs When air is being exhaled, it is under pressure as it first flows through the trachea and then the larynx into the mouth or nose.

STEP 3: PHONATION – MAKING A VOICE

The air goes in – the air goes out. That’s breathing. Your voice (phonation) happens when you cause the vocal folds in the larynx to vibrate.

The vocal folds are located inside the larynx. You can get an idea where they are by putting your finger or the small bump (sometimes called your “Adam’s apple”) you can feel on the outside of your throat. The vocal folds are behind and slightly below where your finger is resting.

If you could look down your throat to see the top of the tube (larynx) behind your finger, you would see the two small vocal folds. They are made up of flat muscles covered with skin. Only the top covering of the vocal folds is visible from this top view.

Just before you make a sound, the vocal folds close together. The air pressure from the lungs builds up beneath the folds and finally overpowers and blows them open. As the air rushes over the folds, they vibrate and make sound. They open and close 200 to 400 times each second.

If you are experiencing any problems with your voice, schedule a consultation with one of our ear specialists by calling 407-644-4883 or click here to schedule your appointment request.

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