Is the Cure for Vocal Fry as Simple as Telling Someone to Speak Up?

Croaking, creaking, and vocal fry—they’re all different descriptions of a way of talking marked by a low, vibratory sound that often comes at the end of a sentence. You’ve no doubt heard many girls and women, and even some boys and men talking in this manner. Maybe even your own kids. It’s not only bothersome to many people to listen to, but it also can cause vocal fatigue and potentially harm the vocal chords. Speech disorders expert Dr. Katherine Kendall refers to this as a backwards-focused voice. We asked Dr. Kendall if this is a genuine medical condition and if it can be cured.