Aphonia

Aphonia is the complete loss of voice. It results from a disorder affecting the larynx (voice box) or the vocal cords, preventing the production of sound. The condition can be temporary or permanent, and the underlying causes are diverse, ranging from vocal cord paralysis to neurological damage or psychological factors. Individuals with aphonia may be unable to speak at all, produce only whispers, or experience a complete absence of vocal sound despite the ability to breathe and swallow normally. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, laryngoscopy, and potentially imaging tests to identify the cause of the voice loss.

Aphonia meaning with examples

• The singer woke up with complete aphonia, unable to utter a single note before the concert. A medical evaluation revealed a sudden vocal cord paralysis, likely caused by a viral infection. After urgent treatment and physiotherapy, her voice slowly recovered, a testament to early intervention. This episode left her incredibly anxious about her vocal health.
• Following the surgery, the patient experienced aphonia, due to nerve damage during the operation. They relied on a notepad and pen to communicate while doctors and speech therapists worked to regain their vocal function. The road to recovery was lengthy and demanding, but with time and dedication, some voice was returned.
• The trauma survivor suffered from aphonia as a result of the psychological distress associated with the event. Therapy and support groups helped to address the underlying emotional issues. Slowly the repressed memories and experiences began to resurface, thus, improving the ability to speak became a major goal.
• The actor developed temporary aphonia brought on by the excessive strain during rehearsals for the play. Rest and vocal exercises were enough to recover her voice before the opening night. But they had to be very careful to not over use their vocal cords and avoid a reoccurrence. They were relieved to be able to continue their profession.