The 4 differences between aphonia and dysphonia (explained)

The voice is, at an evolutionary level, one of the greatest biological feats of the human species. In fact, it is surely the trait whose evolution has most marked our progress, since this ability to emit sounds complex enough to make possible the existence of verbal communication has been the pillar on which all the progress made by humanity has rested. .

It is not surprising, then, that something so unique in the animal kingdom contains great physiological complexity. And there are many organs and structures involved in the development of the voice. From the organs of respiration (pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs and diaphragm) to the organs of articulation (glottis, palate, tongue, teeth and lips), passing through the organs of phonation (larynx, vocal cords, pharynx, nasal cavity and oral cavity).

All this organic complexity makes the voice something astonishing on a biological level, but, at the same time, something extremely sensitive to disturbances. And it is in this context that what are known as voice disorders can arise, among which aphonia and dysphonia stand out. Both clinical conditions designate alterations in the normal characteristics of the voice, but their medical bases are very different.

And in today's article, hand in hand with the most prestigious scientific publications, we will explore the definitions of both clinical entities and, above all, we will see the main differences, in the form of key points, between aphonia and dysphonia. In this way, we will understand why these two voice disorders are so different.

What is aphonia? And the dysphonia?

Before going in depth and analyzing the differences between both concepts in the form of key points, it is interesting (but also important) that we can put ourselves in context defining, individually, both clinical entities. As we have said, aphonia and dysphonia are the main disorders or alterations of the voice, but each of them has specific medical bases. Let's see them.

Aphonia: what is it?

Hoarseness is a clinical entity that is defined as a partial or total loss of the voice which, in a more informal context, is what we know as "becoming hoarse". It is the voice disorder characterized by a partial loss (the person has hoarseness) or total (it can only generate whispers) of it.

It is a condition that, depending on the cause, can appear suddenly or gradually. And it can arise both from anatomical lesions in the organs of the speech apparatus (especially larynx and vocal cords) and from somatization of psychological problems, as well as external trauma, overexertion of the voice or even as a consequence of hearing impairment.

Either way, the most common is that aphonia is associated with dysfunctions or alterations in the structure of the vocal cords, the two bands of flexible muscle tissue located in the final portion of the larynx and that, with their vibration with the passage of air, allow the generation of sounds that we understand as voice.

And in this context, there are many risk factors that can damage the morphology and / or physiology of these vocal cords: sudden changes in temperature, excessive use of air conditioning, misuse (or excessive use) of the voice, appearance of nodules or polyps on the vocal cords, consumption of irritating substances (especially alcohol and tobacco), suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, allergic reactions, etc.

Similarly, while generally aphonia, which is a maximum alteration of dysphonia (Now we will analyze it well), it is due to minor and transitory injuries that are overcome in a few days by resting the voice, hydrating ourselves, avoiding coughing and not breathing through the mouth, it can also respond to triggers such as psychological disorders, thyroid diseases, malformations congenital or neurological damage, situations that do require specific medical treatment.

Dysphonia: what is it?

Dysphonia is a clinical entity that is defined as an alteration in the qualities of the voice. It is, therefore, a voice disorder where there is no loss of voice, but rather an alteration in the quality of some of its characteristics: timbre, tone, duration or intensity. The voice is altered its normal properties but without getting lost.

We do not remain hoarse, but we do experience a loss of the natural timbre of the voice, generally due to organic or functional disorders of the larynx, the tubular organ of a muscular nature that, being made up of nine cartilages, has, as far as Phonation refers to the function of housing the vocal cords, which, as we have said, make the existence of the voice possible.

Dysphonia, which It is popularly known as "hoarseness", is a qualitative (or quantitative, in some cases) phonation disorder, either due to organic or functional causes. Like aphonia, except in specific cases, it is a benign voice disorder that does not usually respond to serious causes or triggers, but to vocal hyperfunction. That is, an excessive use of the voice.

The main symptoms of dysphonia are hoarseness, sore throat when swallowing, coughing, variations in the intensity of the voice, changes in the natural timbre of the voice, loss of the ability to make high-pitched sounds, feeling short of breath when speaking. , trembling voice, feeling of monotony, tendency to clear the throat ... These clinical signs can appear in isolation or in combination with each other.

Be that as it may, as with aphonia, dysphonia can be due to organic disorders (lesions in the larynx or vocal cords), psychological problems (due to psychosomatization of emotional problems), dysfunctional (excessive use of the voice), external trauma or a hearing impairment. Even so, in the vast majority of cases, which are associated with mild dysfunctions in the larynx or vocal cords, dysphonia can be treated simply with the same remedies presented in the article that we have linked.

How are aphonia and dysphonia different?

After having analyzed the clinical characteristics of both conditions, surely the differences between them have become more than clear, as well as their relationship and their similarities. Anyway, in case you need (or simply want) to have the information with a more visual character, we have prepared the following selection of the main differences between aphonia (staying aphonic) and dysphonia. Let's go there.

1. Hoarseness is the maximum alteration of hoarseness

Both aphonia and dysphonia are voice disorders, that is, alterations in vocal qualities especially during the phonation process. Now, although they are related, they are very different. And the key to all the differences is based on this point.

And it is that aphonia is the maximum alteration of dysphonia. When this dysphonia, which we have already seen is an alteration in the qualities of the voice, progresses, it is possible that aphonia develops and we become hoarse. That is to say, aphonia is a more serious manifestation of the problems of dysphonia, because the qualities of the voice are altered so much that, directly, there is a loss of it.

2. With aphonia we lose our voice; with dysphonia, no

One key difference. With dysphonia, we do not lose our voice. That is, we are not hoarse. This partial or total loss of the voice is synonymous with aphonia, since it is not that there is an alteration of the qualities of the voice, but that it is lost. The loss can be total, with the patient unable to make sounds beyond simple whispers.

3. With dysphonia an alteration of the qualities of the voice is observed

But, if with dysphonia we do not lose our voice, why is it considered a voice disorder? Well, because despite the fact that there is no loss of voice, it does see some (or some) of its properties altered. That is to say, with dysphonia there is an alteration in the normal characteristics of timbre, tone, intensity or duration of the voice.

In summary, while aphonia is a loss of voice (we become aphonic), dysphonia is an abnormal modification of vocal qualities, especially in terms of voice timbre. In fact, the very etymology of both words shows us this. The prefix “a” means “absence”, while the prefix “dis” means “difficulty for”. Absence of voice (aphonia) versus difficulty in speaking (dysphonia).

Four. Symptoms are different

Hoarseness and dysphonia, in addition to the key difference depending on whether there is a loss of the voice or "just" an alteration of its qualities, also present differences in terms of secondary symptoms. The aphonia is usually expressed with, in addition to the partial or total loss of the voice, with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and spasms in the vocal cords.

Dysphonia, on the other hand, is expressed with, in addition to this alteration in the timbre (or other characteristics of the voice) vocal, hoarseness, cough, need to clear the throat, slight sore throat, sensation of shortness of breath when speaking, voice shaky and monotonous and loss of the ability to make high-pitched sounds. These differences in symptoms are mainly due to the fact that, although there are exceptions, the general rule is that aphonia is more linked to damage to the vocal cords, while dysphonia is more associated to lesions in the larynx.