What is the definition of aphonia?

Aphonia is defined as the inability to produce vocal sound or a significant reduction in vocal volume, often resulting in a whisperlike sound or complete lack of sound. This condition can arise from various causes, such as laryngeal damage, neurological conditions, or vocal cord issues.

Choosing the definition that describes aphonia as a whisperlike sound or lack of sound accurately captures the essence of the condition. It emphasizes the absence of normal voice production, highlighting how individuals with aphonia struggle to vocalize effectively or may only produce very soft sounds. This contrasts sharply with the other definitions, which describe normal voice production, excessive vocalization, or incoherent speech, none of which align with the key characteristics of aphonia.