Common symptoms
- A rough, raspy or breathy voice
- Voice tiring quickly, or loss of vocal range
- Throat discomfort when speaking
- Frequent throat clearing
Common causes
- Laryngitis, often after a cold
- Voice overuse or strain
- Acid reflux
- Smoking
- Growths on the vocal cords (such as nodules or polyps), nerve problems, or, rarely, more serious conditions
When to see an ENT specialist
- Hoarseness lasts longer than 3 weeks, especially if you smoke
- It keeps coming back
- You rely on your voice for work
- It comes with a sore throat, ear pain or a lump in the neck
Seek urgent medical care if
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- Coughing up blood, or difficulty swallowing
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually examine the voice box (larynx) with a small camera passed through the nose or mouth. The examination is quick and is done in the clinic.
General management
Management depends on the cause. It may include voice rest, staying well hydrated, treating reflux, voice therapy, and, for some vocal cord conditions, surgery. Stopping smoking helps protect the voice.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.