A raspy voice, medically known as hoarseness or dysphonia, is a change in voice quality that sounds rough, strained, or breathy. Voice quality is determined by the physical state of the larynx and the two bands of tissue within it, known as the vocal folds. While raspiness is typically a sign of irritation or illness, it is possible to intentionally modify the voice to create a temporary rough quality. This involves physically changing the way the vocal apparatus vibrates, forcing a sound pattern that differs from a smooth, clear tone.
How Vocal Folds Create Raspiness
The production of a clear voice requires the two vocal folds to vibrate in a regular, symmetrical pattern. Air from the lungs pushes past the nearly closed vocal folds, causing the pliable outer covering, the mucosa, to ripple in a wave-like motion. This consistent movement, called the mucosal wave, creates a smooth sound.
Raspiness occurs when this mucosal wave is disrupted, leading to irregular and unpredictable vocal fold vibration. This irregularity is caused by swelling, growths, or incomplete closure of the vocal folds, which introduces turbulent airflow. When the vocal folds do not close tightly, air escapes, resulting in a rough or breathy sound. Any issue that creates asymmetry or stiffness interrupts their uniform vibration, producing the characteristic strained quality of a raspy voice.
Intentional Vocal Techniques to Modify Sound
Achieving a raspy sound involves manipulating the vocal folds to create a non-optimal vibratory pattern.
Vocal Fry
One common technique is the use of vocal fry, the lowest vocal register characterized by a distinct creaky, rattling sound. Vocal fry is produced by fully bringing the vocal folds together and allowing a small amount of air to bubble through. This creates an irregular, low-frequency pulsing vibration, forcing the vocal folds into a less efficient state.
Breath and Tension Manipulation
Another method involves manipulating breath support to introduce greater air turbulence over the vocal folds. Allowing extra air to pass over the cords gives the voice a breathier and rougher output. Speaking at pitches or volumes outside of a comfortable range can also strain the vocal mechanism. Attempting to speak with excessive muscle tension or a constricted throat can momentarily create a gritty tone. These actions temporarily force the vocal folds into an irregular pattern, a technique often used by singers and voice actors.
Understanding Potential Vocal Cord Damage
Forcing the voice into a raspy quality, especially over time, carries a risk of physical damage to the vocal folds. The intentional misuse of the voice, known as phonotrauma, is the primary cause of benign vocal cord lesions. Speaking with excessive muscle strain, or at abnormally high volumes or pitches, subjects the vocal folds to increased friction and impact.
This repeated trauma can lead to the development of growths like vocal nodules, which are callus-like bumps that form symmetrically on both vocal folds. Vocal polyps are similar but can result from a single episode of extreme vocal abuse, such as yelling. These lesions prevent the vocal folds from closing completely and vibrating normally, creating a chronic rough or raspy voice. Sustained forced vocal patterns can also result in acute laryngitis (swelling and inflammation of the vocal folds) and chronic vocal fatigue.