When you have laryngitis, will trying to talk slow down the recovery of your voice?

Question

I have heard that is true, but am not sure if that is accurate or an old wives' tale. I am trying to decide abut returning to work tomorrow. I don't feel sick, but I have no voice. I know no matter how hard I try not to talk, I will end up doing so, as a big part of my job involves communication.

Answer 1

Yes, trying to talk will slow down the recovery. I was instructed by an E.N.T Doctor that I shouldn't even try to whisper because Whispering is just as bad as yelling when it comes to the vocal cords. I had to go for a whole two weeks without speaking to get my voice back. They thought I might need surgery but lucky for me the problem disappeared by following doctors orders and not speaking. I carried a dry erase board with me at all times.

Answer 2

if you feel up to working take a pad and pen with you.  your voice will feel better for not talking.  if you talk on phone, can someone else do that for you?

Answer 3

Yes. The vocal cords work by both tensing and by beating against each other. If they're red and inflammed, beating them against each other is not going to promote early healing. Note that this is completely independent of the infection itself. After the virus is gone, the voice rest helps with recovery.