Voice Disorders and Rehabilitation - Auto-Immune Disorders/Effects on Voice

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

May lead to an increase in fluid in the lamina propria and subsequent increased vocal fold mass. This may result in hoarseness, vocal fatigue, reduced pitch range, decreased average vocal pitch and globus sensation. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Multiple Sclerosis

Demyelination of neural axons leads to poor control of volume and pitch, breathiness, poor breath support, and hypernasality. These changes are variable, as the disease can present as relapsing-remitting or progressive.

Myasthenia Gravis

Causes rapid fatigue in muscular contraction once contraction is initiated due to antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors in the muscles. The overall performance of the voice rapidly declines in a matter of minutes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

About 25% of people with RA have laryngeal involvement in which the joints are restricted in mobility. This may lead to decreased range/vocal flexibility and hoarseness. Individuals may have a clear voice, but may complain of pain with voicing or swallowing.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

May cause reflux. It may also cause laryngeal ulcerations in the anterior larynx that scar after healing.