Speech, Language and Hearing

Voice and resonance

When you speak, the air from your lungs passes through your vocal cords making them vibrate. These vibrations make the sound you use to talk. The sound of your voice changes as it passes through your throat, mouth, and nose. This makes your voice unique.

Voice problems may affect:

the pitch of your voice (how high or low your voice is)
how loud or quiet your voice is
the quality of your voice (e.g., breathy, rough, strained)

Resonance problems affect the way the voice is shaped by your throat, mouth, and nose (e.g., too much or too little air moving through your nose).

Current as of: February 1, 2021

Author: Allied Health, Speech, Language, Hearing and Audiology, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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