On the occasion of World Voice Day, celebrated on April 16, 2026, expert Laura Martín delved into the elements affecting the vocal health of the island population. Since her professional beginnings in 2008, Martín observed a widespread lack of awareness regarding proper voice usage, even among professionals.
The voice, often underestimated, only receives attention when discomfort becomes significant. This lack of awareness delays seeking help, making treatment more difficult. The expert emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs of vocal alteration, as these can indicate more serious issues, such as neurodegenerative diseases or emotional disorders.
The person beginning a process of vocal alteration loses the desire to communicate, increasingly seeks moments of silence, avoids participating in social events, and holds back their voice.
Among the factors most affecting vocal health are excessive use and intensity when speaking, lack of rest, and insufficient hydration. Vocal cords, being a mucosal structure with significant movement, require constant breaks and hydration to prevent wear and tear. Chronic neck fatigue, persistent throat clearing, and loss of vocal melody or projection are key indicators of problems.
Common pathologies include nodules, polyps, and edemas. Nodules, small calluses on the vocal cords from overuse, can be reabsorbed with speech therapy if detected early. However, if fatigue signals are ignored, they can become chronic and require surgery, a procedure with greater risks than rehabilitative therapy.
“"Women, for example, are twice as likely to suffer damage due to hormonal factors. During puberty, our larynx develops differently from men's."
Martín highlights that women are twice as likely to suffer vocal damage due to hormonal factors. The female larynx develops differently, resulting in a higher-pitched voice and faster vocal cord movement. Furthermore, hormonal cycles throughout a woman's life also significantly impact the voice.
The climate of the Canary Islands, with its subtropical environment and the presence of calima (haze), also influences vocal health. Suspended dust and dry air affect the respiratory tract and the vocal cord mucosa. Therefore, regular respiratory hygiene is recommended, especially for professionals who use their voice intensively. Although there is no scientific data confirming a greater genetic predisposition, Canary Islanders face additional risk factors that can increase the incidence of inflammatory vocal pathologies.
