Why do I always sound nasal when I do not have a cold?

Doctor's Answers 1

Your speaking voice is created when high pressured air passes from your lungs through your vocal cords ("voice box") and throat into your mouth. The air does get into your nose and sinuses as you speak and the sound resonance from these areas helps shape the quality of your voice.

Hence, if your nose is blocked or congested, you may have a "hyponasal" or "nasal" speech. This is due to the sound of your voice not getting enough resonance from the nose and sinuses. Common causes of a hyponasal voice include:

  • Nasal allergies (Sensitive nose or allergic rhinitis)
  • Deviated nasal septum (a bent/crooked wall that separates the right nose from the left nose)
  • Swollen turbinates (sausage-like bony structures in the nose that warms and humidifies the air that you breathe in)
  • Sinusitis (Sinus infection)
  • Nasal polyps
  • Large adenoids (immune glands located at the back of your nose)

I would suggest that you visit an ENT Specialist for an assessment. It is quite likely that a nasoendoscopy (a relatively painless scope through the nose) will be performed by your ENT Specialist in the clinic.

Hope this helps and all the best!

Similar Questions

What health supplements are proven to boost the body’s immune system against common illnesses like a cough and cold?

Our body’s natural defence When it comes to fighting common illnesses such as a cough and cold, our immune system plays an important role in defending us against disease-causing microorganisms. How can you help strengthen your immune system? There are many products which claim to help boost our immunity. Out of all the health supplements that can help strengthen our immunity, Vitamin C is the likely supplement that comes to mind. Lesser-known (but still important!)

Photo of Dr Grace Su

Answered By

Dr Grace Su

General Practitioner

When should I take antibiotics for a cold that’s not getting better?

The common cold is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract (includes the nose, sinuses and throat). There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold and an adult may on average experience a cold two to three times a year. Young children (especially those less than 6 years old) are most at risk of getting a cold.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox