Vocal nodules and edema may be due to vibration-induced rises in capillary pressure.

HYPOTHESIS: Vocal fold vibration may physically raise intravascular pressure to levels high enough to damage capillaries and result in leakage of erythrocytes. This type of injury is commonly seen in benign vocal fold lesions and is not well explained.

STUDY DESIGN: Theoretical, retrospective.

METHODS: The relationship of intravascular pressure to vibration frequency and amplitude is derived and confirmed with a physical blood vessel model, then applied to published human measurements to estimate human intravascular pressures.

RESULTS: Vocal fold intravascular pressure is predicted to have a quadratic dependence on both frequency and amplitude. During speaking, the pressure may rise to over 20 cmH2O, and may reach levels far higher for screaming and singing. Such pressure magnitudes are known to trigger inflammatory cascades and can lead to fluid leakage. They also have the potential for pharmacologic control with beta-agonists.

CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular pressure likely rises significantly during vocal fold vibration and may lead to the type of injury seen in benign vocal fold lesions. The results support voice therapy aimed at reducing vibratory amplitude. More vibratory amplitude measurements need to be performed in a wider range of subjects before the full range of human vocal fold vascular pressures can be estimated.