Air pollution major cause of rising voice disorder issues in urban population: Experts

Samdani MN / TNN / Updated: Apr 16, 2025, 13:15 IST

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Voice therapists in Vijayawada are seeing a rise in patients with voice disorders, potentially linked to increasing air pollution and vitamin D deficiency. Expert Tanguturi Narendra emphasizes the importance of a healthy voice for confidence and communication. Dr. Yarlagadda Subbarayudu highlights that untreated voice issues can lead to social isolation and psychological distress.

Air pollution major cause of rising voice disorder issues in urban population: Experts

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VIJAYAWADA: The increasing levels of air pollution have become a new cause of worry for voice therapists in the state, as people with voice disorders are rushing to hospitals. Although the exact number of people suffering from voice disorders is not available, cases are clearly on the rise. Experts and ENT professionals suspect that growing air pollution and severe vitamin D deficiency are the primary reasons for voice-related ailments in the urban population.
“Voice disorders can rob patients of their lifeline to the outside world, be it talking with family and friends, singing in a musical performance, yelling out in an emergency, or inspiring those around them with their spoken perspective. We are making all efforts to educate people on the issue,” said noted voice therapist Tanguturi Narendra. He explained that having a healthy voice is required to empower people to make them more confident.
A senior ENT professor, Dr Yarlagadda Subbarayudu, felt that unaddressed voice disorders could lead to difficulties in communication, social isolation, and even psychological distress. “A significant number of people in India are affected by vitamin D deficiency, particularly children, adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly. Urban air pollution, reduced sunlight exposure, and dietary habits are contributing to this deficiency,” he explained.

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Voice, in its most basic sense, is the sound produced by the vocal cords, allowing humans to communicate through spoken words. However, beyond its physiological function, voice carries a profound impact on how we express ourselves, connect with others, and project our identity. “Speech is one of the most complex things the brain does. It’s basically multitasking. You’re pulling vocabulary, shaping grammar, tracking feedback from your ears, adjusting pitch, all in real-time,” said Narendra.
Vocal cords, located in the larynx, vibrate when air is pushed through them, generating sound waves that become our voice. The shape of the human throat, mouth, and nasal passages influences the sound quality, creating different vocal tones and inflections. The precise movement of the tongue, lips, and jaw shapes the individual sounds of speech.
Every voice matters

A person's voice can influence how others perceive them, impacting judgments on credibility, trustworthiness, and attractiveness.
Different cultures have unique vocal patterns and accents, reflecting their linguistic and social norms.

Types of voice disorders:

Functional Voice Disorder • Organic Voice Disorders • Neurological Voice Disorders • Psychogenic Voice Disorders

The best foods for a clear, strong voice:

Water–Natural Hydration
Honey – Natural Soother
Herbal Teas (Caffeine-Free)–Cleanse mucous on pharyngeal wall and reduces the inflammation
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables ( Non Citrus )
Luke warm water with Ginger
Foods that harm voice
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream) as dairy increases mucus production, making your voice sound thick and phlegmy. If anyone wants to perform, avoid dairy at least 24 hours beforehand.
Caffeine (Coffee, black tea, soda, energy drinks): Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates the body, including the vocal cords, making them dry and more prone to irritation. *Alcohol dehydrates and can cause swelling in vocal cords, leading to vocal strain and hoarseness.
Spicy foods like chili, hot sauce, and pepper can cause acid reflux, which irritates the vocal cords and creates a burning sensation in the throat.
Fried and oily foods can increase mucus build up and make your voice sound rough and congested.
Excess salt can dry out the throat, making it harder to speak for long periods.
Processed sugars (Candy, soda, baked goods) can cause throat inflammation and increase mucus production, leading to a sticky or blocked voice.

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