What symptom is commonly associated with injury to the superior laryngeal nerve?

Injury to the superior laryngeal nerve typically results in weakness of the voice, particularly noticeable at higher pitch ranges. This nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle, which is primarily responsible for adjusting the tension of the vocal cords for pitch modulation. When there is damage to this nerve, the individual may experience difficulty reaching higher notes, leading to a weak voice and fatigue during attempts to speak or sing in those ranges. The loss of the ability to modulate these higher pitches can significantly impact vocal performance and everyday communication.

While hoarseness is commonly associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and difficulty swallowing may relate to other muscle coordination problems, the specific impact on pitch control and voice fatigue directly correlates with superior laryngeal nerve dysfunction. Understanding these aspects aids in recognizing the nuanced roles of various laryngeal nerves in vocal physiology.