Silent damage: how zoom calls are silently wrecking your voice

The quiet satisfaction of uncovering a player’s untold story – that’s what fuels my work. Years spent honing my craft, initially within the rigorous environment of a renowned institution and later at a leading financial publication, instilled in me a deep appreciation for clarity and precision. At FinalStride, I focus on delivering exclusive interviews, cutting straight to the core of the action with a direct and concise approach, aiming to provide readers with the insights.

The unseen cost of remote work: your voice is suffering

We often only notice when something stops working, don’t we? Our voice – a tool we use for hours daily, often unconsciously – deteriorates without us realizing it. The vocal cords, vibrating hundreds of times per second in women and between 100 and 150 in men, are constantly subjected to wear and tear. And with the rise of remote work, a new threat has emerged.

Laura Martín, a logopedist specializing in voice disorders at Europa Press Salud, points out a sobering truth: “The voice is the forgotten Health issue.” We tend to neglect it until it fails, then scramble for quick fixes that rarely provide lasting relief.

Zoom's vocal toll: distance makes vocal distortion

So, what’s the problem with video calls? The answer, according to Martín, lies in the unnatural way we speak to the screen. ‘During a video call, we tend to talk to the screen as if the person is as far away as they actually are,’ she explains. This leads to an unconscious increase in volume and pitch – we’re compensating for the perceived distance.

But there's another factor: “We also forget that the person listening has speakers or headphones, and even if we speak with a lower, healthier volume and intensity, they can simply turn up the volume.” It’s a shockingly simple misunderstanding with potentially serious consequences.

Posture, hydration, and the voice: a triple threat

Poor posture exacerbates the issue. Slouching in front of a monitor shifts the body’s support, placing undue strain on the voice. Without proper support – the natural alignment of the torso – the voice struggles to compensate, leading to fatigue and potential injury. And don’t even think about relying on caffeine or alcohol to ‘boost’ your voice.

Martín stresses the importance of hydration: “Insufficient water intake exposes the vocal cords to greater fragility.” Alcohol and coffee, in particular, are detrimental. Alcohol dehydrates and can trigger laryngeal reflux, an inflammation that produces a rough, strained voice. Caffeine doesn’t hydrate and can disrupt sleep, indirectly impacting vocal Health. Finally, even a single night of interrupted sleep can leave your voice vulnerable. A dry throat, a raspy tone – these are often the silent symptoms of a neglected voice.

Small changes, big impact

The result? Teachers, trainers, and anyone who spends hours in noisy environments can accumulate damage over time, often without realizing it. But simple habits – drinking water throughout the day, avoiding excessive volume on video calls, prioritizing sleep, and limiting alcohol and caffeine – can make a tangible difference. Your voice is a muscle. It needs care and attention to function optimally.

Final note: don't wait until it's too late

Ignoring your voice is a gamble. Protect it, and it will protect you.