What Is Hoarseness?
Hoarseness is a vocal change involving a rough or raspy voice. Some people describe hoarseness as a slightly deeper-than-usual vocal tone. A hoarse voice can be a symptom of several vocal disorders.
You may have a hoarse voice along with other symptoms:
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Breathing changes
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Difficulty swallowing
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Increased coughing or throat-clearing
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Increased mucus in your throat
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Pain or discomfort while talking
When to See a Specialist for Hoarseness
You should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngology specialist) if you’ve had hoarseness or other vocal changes for six weeks or longer. An otolaryngologist can diagnose and treat what’s causing your hoarseness.
Hoarseness in Infants
Some babies have a soft or raspy cry that sounds like hoarseness. Hoarseness in babies is more common after a challenging birth, such as one involving forceps.
We recommend an evaluation with a pediatric otolaryngologist if your baby has a hoarse voice. This specialist can diagnose or rule out problems with their vocal cords.
Find a Hoarseness Specialist
Hoarse Voice Causes
A wide variety of factors can cause a hoarse voice:
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Infections: Some people develop vocal hoarseness and inflammation (laryngitis) after a viral or bacterial infection, such as an upper respiratory infection.
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Medications: Some medicines, such as inhalers or immune-suppressing medications, can cause hoarseness.
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Muscle strain or tension: Overusing your voice can strain the muscles around your voice box and cause hoarseness.
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Smoking: You may develop a hoarse voice after smoking or vaping.
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Vocal cord lesions: Noncancerous growths (nodules, cysts, or polyps) can develop on your vocal cords.
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Laryngeal cancer: Cancer that develops in your voice box (larynx) can cause hoarseness. Usually, vocal changes associated with cancer develop and worsen gradually.
Diagnosis and Tests for Hoarseness
First, talk with your otolaryngologist to figure out what’s causing your hoarseness. Your otolaryngologist will ask you multiple questions:
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Did anything happen before you got a hoarse voice? For example, did you cheer loudly at a football game or have the flu?
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Do your symptoms improve or worsen at certain times of day?
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Have you started any new medications?
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How long have you had a hoarse voice?
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What activities relieve or worsen your symptoms?
Then your specialist will perform a laryngoscopy. During this test, they insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) through your nose or mouth and down your throat. A laryngoscopy gives your otolaryngologist a clear view of your vocal cords.
Hoarse Voice Treatment
Treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause. Your otolaryngologist may recommend one or several approaches:
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Home remedies: Hoarseness may get better on its own. But there are some things you can try if your voice has been hoarse for a short period:
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Avoid aggressive throat-clearing or coughing.
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Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids.
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Rest your voice.
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
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Talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit smoking or vaping, if needed.
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Use a humidifier to stay more comfortable.
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Voice therapy: Voice therapy is like physical therapy for your throat and voice box. You work with a specialized speech-language pathologist. This expert teaches you exercises and remedies to heal or restore your voice.
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Surgery: Surgery is rare, but you may need surgery to remove a vocal cord growth. Your doctor may recommend surgery along with voice therapy.
Hoarseness Prevention
No single strategy can prevent hoarseness. Avoiding vocal strain can lower your risk of a hoarse voice:
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Avoid aggressive throat-clearing
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Limit coughing as much as possible and take over-the-counter cough suppressants if needed
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Use a microphone when using your voice for long periods, such as while teaching a class
Why Choose Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Utah Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ?
Our team includes otolaryngologists with specialty training in airway, swallowing, and voice disorders. This expertise enables us to diagnose and treat a full range of rare and complex conditions.
Your care team includes collaboration with speech-language pathologists specializing in vocal disorders. Few speech therapists in the country have this niche training. We bring you comprehensive, specialized, effective care.
Make an Appointment
Call 801-587-8368 to make an appointment with an otolaryngologist. You don’t need a referral to see an ENT.
You do need a referral to make an appointment with a voice disorders specialist. Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Utah Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ providers can send referrals through MyChart. Providers who aren't part of U of U Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ can fax referrals to 801-587-3569.
