Maintaining Effective Communication During A Bout Of Laryngitis

The most frustrating aspect of having laryngitis is the diminished ability to verbally communicate. Every attempt to speak with another person becomes strained. Until you recover, other methods of communication must be used to supplement your squeaky voice.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords within the larynx. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection or is a result of exposure to dust or some pollutant. Regardless of the source, your swollen vocal cords lose their ability to produce normal sound. There are ways to move forward with your schedule and adapt as needed to your lack of vocal strength.

Remaining effective at work

A reduction in the ability to work is a major concern for an employee with laryngitis. Each employer is different, and your potential effectiveness depends on the noise level of your workplace and the degree of verbal interaction required in your job.

Simply calling in to inform your supervisor or manager of your speech condition may be difficult. Once they are aware of your situation, they are able to decide if you should stay home. If your weak voice does not present a safety hazard and you report for work, there are a few methods to cut back on your need to vocalize:

• Minimize unnecessary conversations
• Write and send notes on paper when possible
• Replace phone calls with email where practical

Communicating at home

Family members and roommates are likely to be more accommodating of your laryngitis. Your time spent at home is a good opportunity to stop talking. Callers to your phone may not be aware of your situation, but a recorded message can advise them of other contact options to use on a temporary basis.

If you are unable to personally record a message, you may be able to use one of the various text-to-voice services to produce an acceptable recording for your phone or answering machine. Once they are informed, many callers can easily switch to text messaging for a few days.

Engaging in public interactions

Laryngitis can persist for several days, necessitating that you venture out into the marketplace with the condition. Keep in mind that a noisy environment will force you to speak louder. If you don't necessarily need to speak during a transaction, larger retailers often offer self-checkout. Also, avoid cigarette smoke whenever possible.

Laryngitis can be an underlying symptom of a more serious medical condition. Hoarseness may be due to an allergy. The growth of a polyp or nodule on the vocal cords can affect the voice. Consult with an ear nose and throat doctor for evaluation and treatment of your laryngitis condition.