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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Difficult To Speak If Vocal Cords Are Not Used For A Long Time?

I'm doing research for a novel and I have a question about the vocal cords. What would happen to someone who tries to speak after not having used their vocal cords at all for sixteen years (from age 2 to age 18)? Do the cords atrophy to a level where it would make it nearly impossible/very painful/difficult to speak?

Thank you!
Sat, 6 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Welcome to HCM.
There will be no any problem to your vocal cord even after using after 16 hrs.
After 16 hrs you will get some difficulty to speak but it will clear after just forceful coughing out and clear some secretions around it.
Just do steam inhalation if you get more trouble otherwise consult your physician for further guidance.
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Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Suman Kumar's  Response
vocal cords are always being used as they are on the voice box and air passes thruogh th vocal cords space so are always being used they close and open during each breath and muscles wsork
even in the act of diglutation these are used so no atrophy occurs
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Is It Difficult To Speak If Vocal Cords Are Not Used For A Long Time?

Welcome to HCM. There will be no any problem to your vocal cord even after using after 16 hrs. After 16 hrs you will get some difficulty to speak but it will clear after just forceful coughing out and clear some secretions around it. Just do steam inhalation if you get more trouble otherwise consult your physician for further guidance.