Vocal Fry: Defining a Common Language Register

Vocal fry is a way of speaking that's characterized by a deep, gravely, creaky, scratchy, or raspy tone. When it’s done intentionally (i.e., someone changing the natural tone of their voice), it’s most noticeable at the end of sentences. This type of vocal fry is often associated with young women, although anyone can have vocal fry.

During vocal fry, the larger vocal cords relax and vibrate more slowly. In some people, vocal fry is their natural voice register. Vocal fry can also indicate an underlying respiratory or neurological condition.

This article will explain vocal fry in more detail.

Effects of Vocal Fry

The following signs may suggest you have a voice condition:

• Hoarse or raspy voice
• No longer able to hit some high notes when singing
• Suddenly deeper-sounding voice
• Raw, achy, or strained feeling in your throat
• Talking that is more effortful
• Clearing your throat more often

On Self

When you intentionally change your voice, temporary effects can occur. The effects of vocal fry can cause voice hoarseness. It can also cause a scratchy sensation in the throat, which may lead to throat clearing. However, some experts believe that vocal fry does not cause lasting effects. Even after years of vocal fry, such as from singing, vocal cord damage is not detected.

However, other experts note that this type of voice pitch is not encouraged by trained professionals and could cause:

• Vocal dysfunction
• Vocal damage
• In severe cases, vocal tissue scarring 

On Others 

It’s important to note that anyone of any gender can experience or put on vocal fry. It can carry negative connotations and influence how a person with vocal fry is perceived. Back in 2014, a study suggested that women who vocal fry in job interviews are perceived as:

• Less competent
• Less hirable
• Less educated
• Less trustworthy 

Even outside hiring environments, the article says, this laconic tone associated with the Kardashians can sound “annoying” to many people. The article adds that vocal is among other speech patterns women may consider avoiding to increase their credibility in job interviews and chances of being hired.

Causes: Why Do Some People Have a Vocal Fry?

Some people have vocal fry due to vocal cord health conditions. These can cause irregular or vocal cord vibrations, causing the distinctive creak and low pitch of the voice. One study suggests people with thicker and less stiff vocal cords are more likely to have vocal tone irregularities.

Voice problems like vocal fry can also be caused by:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn)
• Vocal fold growths, such as vocal nodules or laryngeal papillomatosis
• Larynx (voice box) cancer
• Neurological diseases including vocal fold paralysis
• Trauma

Creative Uses of Vocal Fry in Singing

Singing experts say vocal fry requires shortening and thickening of your vocal cords. This allows for more coordination and control of these muscles when singing low notes. They also say its creative utility is effective for singers struggling with removing strain and tension from their voices. Some people can use vocal fry to enter the contrabass range, an extremely low vocal register.

Retraining Yourself to Stop Vocal Fry (If You Want)

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says some 17.9 million U.S. adults report voice problems. They say some of these disorders can be avoided by caring for your voice. You can stop anytime if you have been intentionally putting on a vocal fry. When stopping, you may need to retrain your voice and care for your throat to help recover from hoarseness. 

Expert tips for taking care of your voice when retraining vocal fry:

• Stay hydrated (if you drink caffeine, drink even more water to compensate).
• Rest your voice throughout the day and avoid overuse, loud talking, singing.
• Use a humidifier in your home (30% humidity is recommended).
• Avoid or limit the use of medications that may dry out the vocal folds, including some common cold and allergy medications.
• Ask your healthcare provider which medications would be appropriate to use.
• Avoid smoking and eating spicy foods.
• Exercise regularly to maintain core strength, stamina, and muscle tone. 
• Avoid mouthwashes and rinses with irritating chemicals or alcohol.
• Get enough rest and eat a balanced diet to support healing. 

Summary

Vocal fry is a way of speaking that’s often associated with women. It sounds deep, gravely, raspy, and creaky. Anyone can put on vocal fry or develop it as a symptom of other health conditions or medications. Vocal fry can be used in singing but isn’t recommended as a regular speech pattern as it can cause voice hoarseness and may lead to voice complications. Effects of vocal fry include voice problems and feeling self-conscious about how your voice sounds.

You can retrain your voice if you stop vocal fry and take care of your voice and throat by staying hydrated, using a humidifier, keeping healthy habits, and avoiding overusing your voice, smoking, and consuming or using substances that can be irritating including certain alcohol-based mouthwashes.