Your voice is among the finest gifts with which you communicate the world. It enables you to speak, laugh, sing, and exchange ideas. However, your voice occasionally becomes shaky. It shakes, trembles, or quivers whenever you try to speak. This has come to be known as a shaky voice.
Except for a shaking voice, tremors are felt by everybody else too. Tremors are voluntary or involuntary muscle tremor or vibration of a body part. Once the tremors have passed through to the voice box, throat, or chest, the voice itself begins to vibrate.
For them, it may be an illness and it’s occurring on a daily basis. It’s all been compiled in this guide all you will ever require to know about tremors and shaky voice: the causes, the symptoms, the treatment, how to prevent them, and when to consult the doctor.
What Is a Tremor?
Tremor is an uncontrollable rhythmic movement of a part of the body. You have no control over it and it can be of the hands, head, arms, legs, or voice. Tremors vary in severity.
There are several types of tremors
Essential tremor Most frequent type, often inherited. Mainly involves hands but sometimes voice too.
Parkinsonian tremor With Parkinson’s disease, typically slower with accompanying sign of stiffness.
Voice tremor A kind of tremor which is most common in the vocal cords and results in a shaky or tremorous voice.
What Is a Shaky Voice?
A shaky voice, or a vocal tremor, occurs when your vocal cord muscles tremble uncontrollably. This creates an unsteady, quivery, or weak voice.
It may happen:
While talking normally
While singing
Under emotional tension
Even if the rest of your body is fine
Some people have it occasionally, and some find it difficult to control at all times.
Causes of Tremors and Shaky Voice
Numerous are the reasons why one develops tremors or a shaky voice. Some are stress factors, some are lifestyle factors, and some are health factors.
Essential Tremor
Genetic
Exacerbated by age
Can affect hands, head, or voice
Parkinson’s Disease
A neurological condition where the person has tremors, rigidity, and slowing of movements
Usually has a quivering voice
Anxiety and Stress
Nerves can give a tremulous voice, especially while giving speeches or on emotionally stressful situations
Neurological Disorders
Brain or nerve disorders might give tremors
Weak Vocal Muscles
Weak vocal muscles give shivering voice
Aging
Vocal cords loosen with age, and tremors become more frequent
Some drugs, given to control mood disorders, thyroid, or asthma, induce tremors
Thyroid Conditions
Shaky voice with hyperthyroidism and also impacts the voice
Tremor and Shaky Voice Symptoms
Shaky voices and tremors may be present or vary in each individual. Some of the most significant symptoms include
Shaking or shaky voice during speaking
Swaying voice that gets worse under tiredness or stress
Trouble sustaining an even pitch while singing
Shaking hand, head, or jaw along with the voice
Throat tiredness after speaking
Abnormal breaking or cracking of voice
How Doctors Diagnose Tremors and Shaky Voice
If you notice these symptoms on a daily basis, you must go visit a doctor. Diagnosis may involve
Medical history Family history, lifestyle, and medication
Physical examination Hand, head, or facial tremor tests
Voice examination A speech pathologist or an ENT doctor can examine your vocal habits
Neurological tests Brain and nerve disease tests like Parkinson’s
Treatment
Depending on why tremors or trembling voices occur. The typical treatments are
Medication
Beta blockers and anti seizure medication will cure essential tremors
Parkinson’s medication will cure related tremors
Anti anxiety medication will be beneficial if tension is why
Voice Therapy
Speech language pathologists perform exercises to strengthen the vocal cords
Helps in regulation of breathing and steadiness of voice
Botox Injections
Tiny amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the vocal cords
Aids in reduction of muscle tremors for a few months
Surgery
Severe essential tremors in some cases have surgery as an option
Deep brain stimulation can cause tremors to slow down in some people
Lifestyle Changes
Elimination of consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages
Stress reduction techniques
Rest and fluid balance in the body
Self Care and Daily Tips
You can control their management on day-to-day communication even if you shake or your voice does.
Slowly breathe before speaking
Speak slowly and softly and do not strain your voice
Drink plenty of water during the day to stay hydrated
Do not take too much coffee as this will increase the tremors
Regular stress-lowering activity like meditation or yoga on a daily basis
Regular break in between for a long time of speaking
Voice exercise by mild exercising daily
Cost of Treatment
It varies depending on the treatment method and the area.
Routine doctor visit 100 to 200 dollars no insurance
Voice therapy visits 50 to 100 dollars per visit
Botox injections 500 to 1000 dollars every two months
Medications Vary depending on the prescription
Surgery Thousands of dollars but not unless it is a severe case
Many of these treatments can be paid for by insurance, particularly if they are medically necessary.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if
Your trembly voice is happening on a daily basis
Shaking is impairing your employment, singing, or public speaking
Shaking of your head, body, or hands and voice is happening to you
The condition is worsening with the increase in time
You are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing while having the tremor
Treatment can best control symptoms with early treatment.
How Tremors and Shaky Voice Affect Daily Life
Shaking and shaking voices are infuriating and sometimes embarrassing to others. Tremor can impact
Public speaking or office speaking
Stage singing or performing
Social interactions
Self-esteem
Thus, treatment and therapy are required, not just for health but also for quality of life.
Prevention
It is impossible to eradicate all tremors, but you can minimize your risk by
Healthy eating with regular meals and exercise
No excessive use of caffeine and alcohol
Use of meditation or breathing exercises to deal with stress
Healthy sleeping habits
Systematic early stage screening for overall health to identify thyroid or neurological problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shaking voice always disease caused
No. Most of the time it is merely stress, fatigue, or worry.
Are there spontaneous tremors
Sometimes mild tremors can be helped with adjustments in lifestyle, but the majority require ongoing treatment.
Do children develop vocal tremors
It is not very common, but kids can also get voice tremors if they have muscle weakness or neurologic problems.
Does nervousness make a voice shaky
Yes. Anxiety and nervousness are frequent temporary causes for a shaking voice.
Do singing lessons cure a shaky voice
Yes. Vocal therapy and training can lead to stronger vocal cords and increased control.
Shaky voice and tremors can sound like no big deal, but they can make a big difference in one’s life. If because of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or stress and aging, the good news is therapy and treatment can make a big difference.
With voice therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication, most individuals do overcome tremors and feel comfortable while speaking.
Your voice is your own. If it ever does start shaking too much, don’t just fake it like everything’s okay with you. Get a doctor to take a look at it, make little changes every day toward better living, and take care of your voice for the rest of your life.
