In many everyday places, certain voices drown out others, to the point of annoying those around them or surprising those who speak more quietly. However, the person concerned often claims that he or she “doesn’t shout.” This discrepancy between the feeling and the actual volume of the voice can be explained by several biological, sensory and social mechanisms studied by research.
Why do some people speak loudly without knowing it?
Certain physiological characteristics naturally influence the intensity of the voice, notably the morphology of the larynx and the functioning of the vocal cords. Furthermore, hearing loss can cause a person to speak louder without realizing it. Indeed, when auditory feedback is impaired, the brain adjusts the intensity of the voice less effectively.
Another well-documented phenomenon is the Lombard effect. Described in 1911 by the French doctor Étienne Lombard, it corresponds to the automatic increase in the volume of the voice when one operates in a noisy environment. Numerous studies have confirmed that this adaptation is involuntary and results from an audiovocal control mechanism.
Personality, emotions and social environment
Psychology research also shows that voice volume varies depending on emotions. Anger, stress or excitement are accompanied by physiological activation likely to spontaneously increase vocal intensity.
The social environment also plays a role. Communication habits acquired in childhood, whether from a very lively family environment or cultural norms valuing more demonstrative expression, can have a lasting influence on the way in which a person modulates their voice. These behaviors are more a matter of social learning than an isolated personality trait.
When to consult?
If loud speaking appears suddenly, is accompanied by hearing loss, vocal fatigue or other symptoms, it is recommended to consult an ENT doctor. An evaluation makes it possible in particular to look for a hearing problem or a condition of the vocal cords which could explain this change in the voice.