Whispering is usually regarded as a safer way to speak when experiencing hoarseness, a sore throat or throat inflammation as many believe it helps rest the larynx or voice box and prevents the condition from worsening. However, forced or prolonged whispering may actually affect the voice box.

Dr Nadhirah Mohd Shakri, a surgeon and clinical lecturer at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM), said many people misunderstand the effects whispering can have on the voice.