The vocal folds (cords) make up the structure that opens for breathing, closes for swallowing, and vibrates as air passes through to produce sound. Vocal fold scarring can be the result of injury, trauma or another condition. When this happens, there is an interruption of the normal vibration of the focal folds as sound is produced. Hoarseness, vocal strain, loss of upper range of singing and a scratchy voice are all symptoms of vocal scarring.