The Effect of Oxidative Stress on the Human Voice

Abstract

The vocal fold vibrates in high frequency to create voice sound. The vocal fold has a sophisticated histological “layered structure” that enables such vibration. As the vibration causes fricative damage to the mucosa, excessive voicing can cause inflammation or injury to the mucosa. Chronic inflammation or repeated injury to the vocal fold occasionally induces scar formation in the mucosa, which can result in severe dysphonia, which is difficult to treat. Oxidative stress has been proven to be an important factor in aggravating the injury, which can lead to scarring. It is important to avoid excessive oxidative stress during the wound healing period. Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been found in the injured vocal folds of rats during the early phase of wound healing. Antioxidants proved to be useful in preventing the accumulation of ROS during the period with less scar formation in the long-term results. Oxidative stress is also revealed to contribute to aging of the vocal fold, in which the mucosa becomes thin and stiff with a reduction in vibratory capacity. The aged voice can be characterized as weak and breathy. It has been confirmed that ROS gradually increases in rat vocal fold mucosa with age, which may cause further damage to the vocal fold. Antioxidants have also proved effective in avoiding aging of the vocal fold in rat models. Recently, human trials have shown significant effects of the antioxidant Twendee X for maintaining the voice of professional opera singers. In conclusion, it is suggested that oxidative stress has a great impact on the damage or deterioration of the vocal folds, and the use of antioxidants is effective for preventing damage of the vocal fold and maintaining the voice.