Voice Diseases
Hoarseness (Dysphonia) is a condition where the voice sounds different, weak, or even disappears completely due to problems with the vocal cords. It often occurs due to infections, overuse of the voice, or underlying medical issues. Treatment for dysphonia includes voice rest, medical treatment, and, if necessary, surgical intervention.
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It refers to the weakening of the voice due to issues with the vocal cords. It can be caused by conditions such as laryngitis, nodules, polyps, or irritation of the vocal cords.
What Are the Causes of Hoarseness?
There are many causes of hoarseness, but most are not serious and resolve quickly. The most common cause is acute laryngitis, which is usually due to colds, viral upper respiratory infections, or prolonged shouting. Persistent hoarseness is often caused by prolonged or improper use of the voice at high volumes or for long durations. This type of voice use can lead to conditions like vocal cord nodules (singer’s nodules) or vocal cord polyps. Nodules are common in adults who use their voices excessively in professional settings or in children who shout a lot during play.
The voice is often worse in the morning and improves as the day progresses. Patients frequently report a feeling of swelling (lump) in the throat, sticky mucus, and an urge to clear the throat. Smoking is another cause of hoarseness. Since smoking is the main cause of laryngeal cancer, smokers with long-term hoarseness should see an ENT specialist. Other rare causes of hoarseness include allergies, thyroid disorders, neurological disorders, laryngeal injuries, and sometimes the normal menstrual period. A certain amount of hoarseness with age is natural.
Who Can Treat Hoarseness?
Hoarseness due to a cold or flu can be evaluated by general practitioners, pediatricians, and internists. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks without a known cause, an ENT specialist should be consulted. Voice problems are best evaluated by a professional team knowledgeable about voice function, including an ENT specialist, a speech-language pathologist, and a voice coach. There are many different types of voice disorders, and clues are best evaluated by professional teams.
When Should I See an ENT Specialist?
- If your hoarseness has lasted longer than 2-3 weeks
- If your hoarseness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that isn’t related to a cold or flu
- Blood-tinged cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Complete voice loss or significant voice change lasting more than a few days
How Is Hoarseness Evaluated?
The ENT specialist will take a full history of your hoarseness and general health. Your doctor will examine your vocal cords using a small mirror or various optical devices. Recording the examination on video can help analyze the condition accurately. These procedures are not uncomfortable and are tolerated by most patients. In some cases, special tests known as acoustic analysis may be recommended to evaluate the voice. These tests measure irregularities, the acoustic content of the voice, airflow, and other features. The results can assist in diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention and Treatment Suggestions for Hoarseness
Hoarseness refers to abnormal changes in the voice. When hoarseness occurs, the voice may sound whispery, crackly, strained, or may vary in volume or pitch. Changes in the voice are usually due to issues with the vocal cords, which are parts of the larynx (voice box) that produce sound. The vocal cords are separated during whispering. During speaking or singing, they come together and vibrate as air flows from the lungs, producing sound. Faster vibration of the vocal cords produces a higher-pitched sound. When the vocal cords are weakened or irregular, they fail to come together properly, causing changes in the voice.
What Can I Do to Prevent or Treat Hoarseness?
- If you smoke, quit smoking.
- Avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid spicy foods and alcohol.
- Avoid using your voice at high volumes or for extended periods.
- Consider professional voice training.
How Are Voice Disorders Treated?
The treatment for hoarseness is based on the underlying cause. Most cases of hoarseness can be treated by resting the voice and modifying its use. Your doctor will provide some advice on proper voice use. For vocal cord polyps or some nodules, minor surgery may be recommended. Quitting smoking and avoiding smoke-filled environments is recommended for all patients. Hydration is beneficial.
Some patients may require speech and voice therapy, which is provided by speech therapists and voice trainers. If such a need arises, your doctor will refer you accordingly. Issues like nodules can be resolved. If the problem specifically relates to singing, a voice coach can help improve technique and resolve the issue.
Rating
Anesthesia Type: General
Operation Time: 2-3 Hours
Pain: Mild
Length of hospital stay: 1 night
Recovery Time 7 days
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Schedule your appointment or online consultation with Prof. Dr. Mustafa Deniz Yılmaz now. Take the first step in your treatment process and let’s begin your journey to recovery together with personalized solutions.