Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Hoarseness and voice problems in Kharadi, Pune
A hoarse, weak or strained voice is usually caused by a short-lived problem such as a cold or overuse. Hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks should be checked by an ENT specialist, who can examine the voice box directly.
This page is for information only. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult a doctor.
What causes hoarseness?
The voice is produced by the vocal cords in the voice box (larynx), which vibrate as air passes between them. Anything that affects how they move or vibrate can change the voice. Common causes:
- Colds and viral infections (laryngitis)
- Overuse or strain of the voice, common in teachers, singers, call-centre staff and others who speak a lot at work
- Vocal cord nodules, polyps or cysts
- Acid reflux reaching the throat
- Smoking, and irritation from dust or pollution
- Less often, weakness of a vocal cord, or a growth in the voice box that needs prompt treatment
Common symptoms
- A hoarse, rough or breathy voice
- A voice that tires easily or cracks
- Reduced vocal range, especially for singing
- Needing more effort to speak
- A feeling of something in the throat, or frequent throat clearing
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks, especially if you smoke or use tobacco. Do not wait if hoarseness comes with a lump in the neck, pain or difficulty swallowing, coughing up blood, or noisy breathing. Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing.
How it is diagnosed at the clinic
Dr. Halikar will ask about your voice, how you use it at work, smoking and reflux symptoms, and will listen to your voice. The vocal cords are examined with an endoscope, a rigid or flexible telescope passed through the mouth or nose, usually after a numbing spray. With videolaryngoscopy, the view is shown on a screen and can be recorded, so findings can be reviewed and compared at follow-up.
If a growth or suspicious area is seen, a biopsy or scan may be arranged.
Treatment options
- Voice rest and good voice habits: avoiding shouting and whispering, drinking enough water, and taking breaks when speaking for long periods
- Voice therapy, usually with a speech and voice therapist, to improve how the voice is used
- Treatment of reflux through diet, lifestyle changes and medicines
- Stopping smoking
- Surgery on the vocal cords (phonosurgery) for nodules, polyps or cysts that do not settle, or when a biopsy is needed
Many voice problems improve without surgery. Dr. Halikar will explain the cause and the options that suit your voice and your work.
What recovery generally looks like
Recovery depends on the cause. Hoarseness from a cold usually settles within two weeks. Nodules often improve with voice therapy over a few weeks to months. After vocal cord surgery, a short period of voice rest is usually advised, followed by a gradual return to normal voice use.
Frequently asked questions
When is hoarseness serious?
Most hoarseness is caused by colds or voice strain and settles within a couple of weeks. Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, or with a neck lump, difficulty swallowing or coughing up blood, should be examined by an ENT specialist.
Can acid reflux cause hoarseness?
Yes. Acid reaching the throat can irritate the vocal cords and cause hoarseness, throat clearing and a feeling of a lump in the throat, sometimes without heartburn.
Is whispering better than talking when my voice is hoarse?
No. Whispering can strain the vocal cords. Speaking gently at a comfortable level, and resting the voice when possible, is usually better.
Do teachers and call-centre staff get more voice problems?
People who use their voice a lot at work are more likely to develop voice strain and vocal cord nodules. Good voice habits and early assessment help prevent long-term problems.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Member of the Laryngology and Voice Association
- Organising secretary of a workshop on phonosurgery
- Endoscopic examination of the throat and voice box
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.