7. Voice Changes: The Disconcerting Shift in Vocal Tone
You might not put two and two together at first. Voice changes? Surely that’s more likely to be linked to a cold or maybe even age. But when your voice starts shifting in quality and pitch, it could be a little-known symptom of Zenker’s Diverticulum. Let’s unpack this.
The esophageal pouch characteristic of Zenker’s Diverticulum isn’t just messing with your food intake; it can also impact your voice. Believe it or not, that pouch may cause air to become trapped, leading to changes in how your vocal cords function. Your voice might start to sound husky, weak, or tremulous, and no, it’s not because you’ve decided to take up jazz singing.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Voice changes due to Zenker’s Diverticulum are often gradual, unlike losing your voice from a bout of laryngitis. Over time, you might notice you’re no longer hitting those high notes in your favorite song or that you’re clearing your throat more frequently during conversations. It’s subtle, yet disarming, particularly if you’re someone who uses their voice professionally or creatively.
Think about the countless ways we use our voice daily: to communicate, to express emotion, even to earn a living. The frustration of experiencing these voice changes isn’t just physiological; it can take an emotional toll. When your voice starts betraying you, it feels like you’re losing a part of your identity, as if the mirror suddenly doesn’t recognize you.(7)
