Voice Problems and Hoarseness
HEAD AND NECK / VOICE
Assessment of a hoarse, weak or changing voice with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Nurhani Yasmin Abdul Rahman at Kemena Pacific Hospital.
What causes hoarseness?
Hoarseness is a change in your voice that makes it sound rough, breathy, strained or weak. Most cases come from a cold, overuse or reflux and settle within a couple of weeks. A hoarse voice lasting more than three weeks should be examined, especially if you smoke.
Symptoms
- A rough, croaky or breathy voice
- Voice tiring easily
- Loss of voice
- Pain or strain when speaking
- Needing to clear your throat often
Common causes
- Laryngitis from a cold or infection
- Voice overuse, common in teachers, singers and sales staff
- Vocal cord nodules or polyps
- Throat reflux
- Smoking
- Less commonly, vocal cord weakness or a growth on the vocal cords
How Dr Yasmin assesses voice problems
Dr Yasmin examines the vocal cords with a small camera passed through the nose or mouth in clinic, usually with a numbing spray. Treatment depends on the cause and may include voice rest, voice therapy, reflux treatment or, for some growths, a procedure on the vocal cords.
When to see an ENT specialist
- Hoarseness for more than three weeks
- Hoarseness in a smoker
- Voice change with a neck lump, difficulty swallowing or coughing blood
- Voice problems affecting your work
FAQs
How long is hoarseness normal after a cold?
Up to about two weeks. Longer than three weeks should be checked.
Can I damage my voice by shouting?
Repeated strain can cause swelling or nodules on the vocal cords. Voice rest and good voice habits help.
Is the camera examination uncomfortable?
A numbing spray is used and it takes only a few minutes.