What Is a Mouth Click Called? Causes & Solutions

Mouth clicks, often inadvertently captured during vocal recordings, are technically termed "oral sounds" or "lip smacks," which are frequently addressed and corrected using audio editing software. The common issue of unwanted noise, such as "oral sounds" (or mouth clicks), is well-known among voice-over artists and audio engineers working with professional platforms like Audacity or Adobe Audition. In the realm of professional sound production, various tools and techniques are deployed to reduce mouth noises, a persistent challenge even for experienced voice professionals and organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society (AES). Investigating what is a mouth click called leads us to explore its causes and effects on audio quality, including actionable solutions for mitigating their impact on recordings and live audio performances.

The Unseen Culprit: Understanding Mouth Clicks in Audio

Mouth clicks – those unwanted, distracting sounds that plague audio recordings – are a pervasive issue in the world of professional audio. Often subtle, yet jarringly disruptive, they can compromise the clarity and quality of podcasts, voiceovers, music recordings, and more.

But what exactly are mouth clicks, and why do they pose such a problem?

Defining the Offender: What is a Mouth Click?

A mouth click is a transient sound generated within the oral cavity. It arises from the rapid separation of moist surfaces – typically the tongue from the roof of the mouth, or the lips from each other.

Acoustically, they are characterized as short, sharp, and often high-frequency sounds, resembling clicks, pops, or smacks. Their prominence depends on several factors, including microphone sensitivity, recording environment, and the speaker's physiology and articulation.

The Problem with Pops: Undesirability in Professional Audio

In professional audio, mouth clicks are highly undesirable for several reasons:

• Distraction: They pull the listener's attention away from the intended message.

• Perceived Unprofessionalism: Their presence can indicate a lack of attention to detail.

• Reduced Clarity: Overly frequent or loud mouth clicks degrade the overall sonic clarity.

In essence, they detract from the immersive experience of listening. A clean audio recording is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and conveying credibility.

Roadmap to Resolution: A Comprehensive Exploration

This editorial section serves as an entry point, setting the stage for a comprehensive investigation into the complexities of mouth clicks. The following areas will be explored: their physiological, technical, and behavioral causes.

Effective strategies for prevention and mitigation will be discussed, from simple hydration techniques to professional vocal coaching. Finally, an in-depth overview of identification and removal methods in post-production will be provided, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to conquer the unseen culprit of mouth clicks and achieve pristine audio.

Decoding the Causes: Physiological, Technical, and Behavioral Factors

Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is paramount in effectively combating them. These factors can be broadly categorized into physiological, technical, and behavioral domains, each requiring careful consideration for effective mitigation.

Physiological Factors: The Body's Role in Mouth Clicks

Our bodies, in their intricate workings, can inadvertently become mouth click factories. The primary culprit is often related to saliva production, specifically imbalances that lead to either excessive or insufficient lubrication in the oral cavity.

The Saliva Spectrum: Too Much, Too Little

Excessive saliva, while seemingly beneficial, can create audible smacking sounds as the tongue and lips interact with the fluid.

Conversely, a lack of saliva leads to dry mouth, where surfaces within the mouth become sticky, producing distinct clicking sounds upon separation.

This delicate balance is crucial for maintaining a smooth, silent speaking environment.

Dehydration's Impact on Oral Lubrication

Dehydration is a common and often overlooked contributor to mouth clicks. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, saliva production decreases, leading to dry mouth and a heightened susceptibility to these unwanted sounds.

Adequate hydration is therefore a fundamental preventative measure.

Breathing Habits and Oral Moisture

Breathing habits also play a significant role. Mouth breathing, in particular, accelerates the evaporation of saliva, exacerbating dryness and increasing the likelihood of mouth clicks.

Consciously practicing nasal breathing, especially during recording sessions, can help maintain oral moisture levels.

Technical Factors: The Recording Environment's Influence

The technical aspects of the recording environment, including microphone choice and technique, can either amplify or minimize mouth clicks.

Understanding these technical nuances is critical for capturing clean audio.

Microphone Technique: Distance and Angle

Improper microphone technique is a common culprit. Placing the microphone too close to the mouth accentuates subtle sounds, including mouth clicks.

Experimenting with microphone distance and angle can significantly reduce their prominence.

A slight offset angle, for example, can help mitigate the direct capture of these sounds.

Microphone Sensitivity: The Condenser Conundrum

Certain microphone types, particularly condenser microphones, are renowned for their sensitivity and ability to capture a wide range of frequencies.

While this sensitivity is advantageous for capturing detailed audio, it also means that they are more prone to picking up subtle mouth sounds.

Careful microphone selection and precise gain staging are essential when using condenser microphones.

Behavioral Factors: Habits and Choices

Our daily habits and lifestyle choices can significantly influence the occurrence of mouth clicks.

Being mindful of these behavioral factors empowers us to proactively address potential issues.

Diction and Speech Patterns

Poor diction and unclear speech patterns can contribute to mouth clicks. Slurring words or having imprecise articulation increases the likelihood of unwanted sounds.

Practicing clear, deliberate speech can significantly reduce their occurrence.

Dietary and Medication Influences

Dietary choices and medications can also impact saliva production and oral moisture. Sugary and acidic foods can alter saliva composition and contribute to dryness.

Certain medications, particularly those with dry mouth as a side effect, can exacerbate the problem.

Being aware of these influences and making appropriate adjustments can help minimize mouth clicks.

Preventive Measures: A Proactive Approach to Clean Audio

Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is paramount in effectively combating them. Investing in preventive strategies is often more effective than relying solely on the time-consuming process of post-production editing. Here are some tactics to promote cleaner audio from the start.

The Foundation: Hydration and Oral Care

Hydration is the unsung hero of clear audio. A well-hydrated mouth produces less friction and, consequently, fewer clicks and smacks.

Staying consistently hydrated throughout the day, especially before and during recording sessions, is crucial. Keep water readily available and sip it regularly.

The air itself can be an adversary. Dry environments exacerbate mouth sounds. Integrating a humidifier into your recording space is a relatively simple, yet powerful, countermeasure.

A humidifier introduces moisture into the air, which helps to keep your vocal cords and mouth lubricated, reducing the likelihood of those distracting clicks. Consider it an investment in both your audio quality and your vocal health.

Refining Your Voice: Vocal and Articulation Training

While technical solutions can address the symptoms, sometimes the solution lies in refining the instrument itself: your voice. Seeking guidance from a qualified vocal coach or speech therapist can be invaluable.

They can help you identify and correct any underlying habits or tendencies that contribute to mouth sounds.

Conscious Diction

Vocal training goes beyond simply eliminating clicks; it's about cultivating clarity and precision in your speech. A vocal coach can guide you through exercises to improve your articulation, strengthen your vocal cords, and develop better breath control.

This improved control not only minimizes unwanted sounds but also enhances the overall quality and impact of your voice.

The Underlying Benefits

The benefits extend beyond just eliminating mouth noises; improved vocal health and articulation can positively impact overall communication skills and confidence.

Mastering the Setup: Optimized Recording Techniques

The way you record plays a pivotal role in the prominence, or lack thereof, of mouth sounds. Meticulous attention to microphone placement and settings can significantly reduce unwanted noise before it even enters the recording.

The Sweet Spot: Microphone Placement

Experiment with different microphone positions to find the "sweet spot" that captures your voice clearly while minimizing extraneous sounds. A slight angle adjustment can often make a world of difference.

Avoid placing the microphone directly in front of your mouth, as this can amplify plosives (bursts of air) and mouth sounds.

Instead, position it slightly to the side, or above, angling it towards your mouth.

Distance is also a factor. Too close, and you'll capture every nuance of your mouth sounds. Too far, and your voice will sound distant and weak. Finding the right balance is key.

Taming the Air: Pop Filters

A pop filter is a simple yet essential tool for any recording setup. While primarily designed to reduce plosives, they also offer a degree of protection against mouth clicks by deflecting some of the air expelled from your mouth.

Position the pop filter a few inches in front of the microphone to create a barrier between your mouth and the mic capsule. This will help to tame those unwanted bursts of air and reduce the prominence of mouth sounds.

By prioritizing these preventative measures, you lay a robust foundation for cleaner, more professional-sounding audio. This proactive approach not only saves time in post-production but also elevates the overall quality and impact of your recordings.

Identifying the Enemy: Types and Differentiation of Mouth Clicks

Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is paramount in effectively combating them. Investing in preventive strategies is often more effective than relying solely on the reactive measure of post-production removal. However, even with the best preventative measures, clicks can still occur; therefore, the ability to identify, classify, and differentiate mouth clicks from other sounds becomes a critical skill in audio post-production.

Dissecting the Sonic Landscape: Types of Mouth Clicks

Mouth clicks are not a monolithic entity. They manifest in various forms, each with its unique acoustic signature. Distinguishing between these types is crucial for targeted and effective post-production.

Lip Smacks: The Sound of Moist Collision

Lip smacks often sound like small, wet popping noises. They typically occur when the lips separate or come into contact with each other, particularly when there's excessive saliva present.

Acoustically, lip smacks are characterized by a short duration, a relatively low frequency, and a distinct "smacking" quality. They can range in loudness, depending on the force of the lip movement and the proximity of the microphone.

Tongue Clicks: The Articulation Artifact

Tongue clicks, on the other hand, originate from the tongue's interaction with other surfaces in the mouth, like the roof of the mouth or the teeth. These clicks are often sharper and more defined than lip smacks.

The acoustic fingerprint of a tongue click is usually a higher frequency transient – a quick burst of sound with a relatively short decay. The sound can resemble a "tick" or a more pronounced "click," depending on the force and location of the tongue's contact.

Beyond the Clicks: Differentiation from Sonic Imposters

Mouth clicks are not the only sounds that can mar an otherwise pristine audio recording. Distinguishing them from similar sounds is essential to avoid unnecessary editing or, conversely, missing problematic audio artifacts.

Voice Cracks: The Vocal Cord's Imperfection

Voice cracks are sudden, often unpredictable changes in vocal pitch. They occur when the vocal cords falter during speech or singing. Unlike the distinct percussive sound of mouth clicks, voice cracks are more tonal and usually span a longer duration.

Lip Pops: The Plosive's Proximity Problem

Lip pops are low-frequency bursts of air caused by plosive consonants (like "p" and "b") hitting the microphone. They are often mistaken for mouth clicks due to their transient nature. However, lip pops are typically deeper and more resonant, and frequently accompanied by a visual distortion in the waveform.

Background Noise: The Ambient Aggravation

Background noise refers to any unwanted ambient sounds captured during recording, such as hums, traffic noise, or room reverberation. While not direct mouth sounds, background noise can mask or mimic mouth clicks, complicating the identification process. A careful frequency analysis is crucial in discerning these sounds from the more defined characteristics of mouth clicks.

Post-Production Arsenal: Solutions for Removing Mouth Clicks

Identifying the Enemy: Types and Differentiation of Mouth Clicks Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is paramount in effectively combating them. Investing in preventive strategies is often more effective than relying solely...

Even with diligent preventative measures, mouth clicks can still find their way into recordings. Post-production offers a robust arsenal of tools and techniques to address these audio imperfections. Let's explore the landscape of solutions, from meticulous manual editing to sophisticated automated plugins, and the invaluable role of audio professionals.

Audio Editing: The Surgeon's Scalpel

Manual audio editing provides the most precise control over removing mouth clicks. This involves visually inspecting the waveform in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and identifying the tell-tale spikes that represent these unwanted sounds.

The process requires patience and a keen ear, as distinguishing mouth clicks from other percussive sounds can be challenging.

The Art of Manual Removal

Once identified, the mouth click can be surgically removed using tools within the DAW. These include:

• Selection and Deletion: The most straightforward approach, simply selecting the click and deleting it. Care must be taken to avoid creating gaps or unnatural transitions.

• Fades: Applying a very short fade-in and fade-out to either side of the removed click can smooth the transition and prevent audible pops.

• Gain Adjustment: Reducing the gain of the click can sometimes be sufficient to minimize its audibility without completely removing it.

Popular DAWs for Manual Editing

Several DAWs are well-suited for manual mouth click removal. Some commonly used options include:

• Adobe Audition: A professional-grade DAW with advanced editing and restoration tools.

• Audacity: A free and open-source DAW, offering a solid set of editing features for basic click removal.

• Logic Pro: Apple's professional DAW, known for its intuitive interface and powerful editing capabilities.

• Pro Tools: Industry-standard DAW, often used in professional recording studios and post-production facilities.

De-Clicker Plugins: The Automated Assistant

De-clicker plugins offer an automated approach to removing clicks, pops, and other impulsive noises from audio recordings. These plugins use sophisticated algorithms to detect and eliminate unwanted sounds while preserving the integrity of the original audio.

How De-Clickers Work

These plugins typically analyze the audio signal for transient events that exceed a certain threshold and have a short duration, characteristics typical of clicks and pops. They then apply various techniques, such as interpolation or spectral repair, to seamlessly remove the unwanted noise.

Popular De-Clicker Plugins

Many excellent de-clicker plugins are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some notable examples include:

• iZotope RX: A comprehensive audio repair suite with a powerful de-click module. Widely considered an industry benchmark.

• Waves X-Click: A dedicated de-clicker plugin known for its ease of use and effective click removal.

• Acon Digital Restoration Suite: Another comprehensive suite with excellent de-noising and de-clicking capabilities.

When using de-clicker plugins, it's crucial to exercise caution. Aggressive settings can lead to artifacts or the removal of desired audio elements. Subtle adjustments and careful listening are key to achieving optimal results.

The Role of Audio Professionals: The Expert Touch

While manual editing and de-clicker plugins offer valuable tools, the expertise of a skilled audio engineer or editor is invaluable. These professionals possess the experience and critical listening skills to identify and address mouth clicks effectively, often employing a combination of techniques to achieve the best possible results.

Audio professionals can discern subtle nuances in the audio that may be missed by automated tools or inexperienced editors. They can also apply creative solutions, such as spectral editing, to address more complex audio issues.

In complex projects, or when facing particularly challenging audio, enlisting the services of an audio professional is a worthwhile investment. Their expertise can elevate the quality of your audio and ensure a polished and professional final product.

Professional Impact: Maintaining Audio Quality in Various Fields

Identifying the Enemy: Types and Differentiation of Mouth Clicks Post-Production Arsenal: Solutions for Removing Mouth Clicks Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is paramount in effectively combating them. Investing in proactive solutions to minimize the occurrence of these sonic imperfections has a considerable impact on the professional outcome of audio endeavors.

The High Cost of Imperfect Audio

In the competitive landscape of audio production, quality reigns supreme.

Mouth clicks, seemingly minor imperfections, can significantly detract from the overall listening experience.

They disrupt the flow, distract the audience, and ultimately diminish the credibility of the content creator.

The impact is particularly acute in professions where audio is the primary medium of communication.

Impact on Voice Acting and Narration

For voice actors and narrators, pristine audio is not merely a preference; it is an absolute necessity.

Their voices are their instruments, and any flaws in the recording can compromise their performance and damage their reputation.

Mouth clicks can render a take unusable, forcing costly re-recordings and delaying project timelines.

They can also undermine the emotional impact of the narration, pulling the listener out of the story and breaking the immersion.

A clean, professional recording is essential for securing future work and establishing a trusted brand.

The Podcasting and Broadcasting Imperative

Podcasters and broadcasters face similar challenges.

In a saturated market, where listeners have countless options, audio quality is a key differentiator.

Listeners are less likely to tolerate distracting noises, opting instead for content that is polished and professionally produced.

Mouth clicks can project an unprofessional image, suggesting a lack of attention to detail or a disregard for the audience's experience.

Investing in proper recording techniques and post-production editing is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and building a loyal following.

Furthermore, clean audio is critical for accessibility.

Listeners with hearing impairments who rely on transcription services will benefit from cleaner source audio.

Mouth Clicks: An Industry Benchmark

In professional audio production, the expectation of flawless sound is growing.

Addressing mouth clicks is no longer simply a nice-to-have, but a standard practice.

It's an essential element of demonstrating competence and conveying the message that professionalism and craft is valued.

It signals to clients and audiences that the creator is committed to delivering the highest quality product possible.

Failing to meet this standard can result in lost opportunities, damaged reputations, and a diminished competitive edge.

Therefore, mastering the art of mouth click prevention and removal is a critical investment for anyone seeking to succeed in the audio industry.

The Role of Speech Pathology: Addressing Underlying Physiological Issues

Mouth clicks, those unwanted auditory blemishes, rarely arise from a single source. Understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to their presence is essential, but what happens when preventative measures and post-production techniques fall short? In some cases, persistent mouth clicks signal underlying physiological issues that warrant the expertise of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

When Mouth Clicks Become a Symptom: The SLP's Perspective

While technical and behavioral adjustments can mitigate many instances of mouth clicks, certain individuals may experience them due to inherent physiological conditions affecting oral motor function. These conditions may not always be obvious, making professional assessment crucial. This is where an SLP can provide valuable insights and tailored interventions.

Assessing the Root Cause: How SLPs Investigate Mouth Sounds

Speech-Language Pathologists are trained to evaluate the intricate mechanisms of speech and swallowing. When presented with a client experiencing persistent mouth clicks, the SLP will conduct a thorough assessment to identify potential underlying causes.

This assessment typically involves:

• Oral Motor Examination: Evaluating the strength, coordination, and range of motion of the lips, tongue, and jaw.

• Swallowing Evaluation: Assessing the efficiency and safety of the swallowing process, as swallowing difficulties can contribute to excessive saliva or dryness.

• Articulation Analysis: Examining speech sound production patterns to identify any tongue thrust or other articulatory habits that might be contributing to mouth clicks.

• Medical History Review: Considering any relevant medical conditions or medications that could be impacting oral motor function or saliva production.

• Instrumental Assessments: (In certain cases), using tools like nasendoscopy to visualize the function of the throat during swallowing.

Potential Underlying Conditions

Several physiological conditions can contribute to the development of mouth clicks:

• Tongue Thrust: An orofacial myofunctional disorder where the tongue protrudes between the teeth during speech, swallowing, or at rest. This can lead to unusual tongue movements and increased clicking sounds.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles can affect jaw movement and contribute to clicking or popping sounds in the mouth.

• Salivary Gland Dysfunction: Issues with saliva production, whether excessive (sialorrhea) or deficient (xerostomia), can create an environment conducive to mouth clicks.

• Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties): Impaired swallowing function can lead to increased oral residue and the need for frequent tongue movements to clear the mouth, potentially generating clicks.

• Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, can affect oral motor control and contribute to a variety of speech and swallowing difficulties, including mouth clicks.

Therapeutic Interventions: Addressing the Physiological Component

Based on the assessment findings, the SLP will develop an individualized treatment plan to address the underlying physiological issues contributing to mouth clicks.

Therapeutic interventions may include:

• Oral Motor Exercises: Strengthening and coordinating the muscles of the lips, tongue, and jaw.

• Myofunctional Therapy: Correcting tongue thrust and other orofacial myofunctional disorders through targeted exercises and habit modification techniques.

• Swallowing Therapy: Improving swallowing efficiency and safety through exercises, postural adjustments, and dietary modifications.

• Articulation Therapy: Addressing any speech sound errors that might be related to underlying oral motor dysfunction.

• Saliva Management Strategies: Implementing techniques to manage excessive or deficient saliva production.

Collaboration is Key

It's important to recognize that addressing mouth clicks may require a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration between audio professionals, vocal coaches, and Speech-Language Pathologists can ensure that both the technical aspects and the underlying physiological factors are addressed effectively. By considering the potential role of speech pathology, we can move beyond superficial solutions and provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking to optimize their vocal performance.

So, next time you hear that little "click" during a recording, don't panic! Now you know that what is called a mouth click is likely just a harmless sound that can be easily managed. Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you minimize those pesky noises and achieve a cleaner, more professional sound in your recordings. Good luck and happy recording!