Hoarseness
What is Hoarseness?
Hoarseness is a condition in which the voice sounds different than normal — weak, broken, thick, shaky, or not at all. It is usually a temporary condition, but in some cases it can be a sign of serious illnesses. Hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks in particular should definitely be evaluated by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.
What Causes Hoarseness?
Hoarseness accompanied by these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Diagnostic Methods
To determine the cause of hoarseness:
Treatment is shaped according to the cause of hoarseness:
Listen to Your Voice
The voice is an important part of both personal expression and professional life. Protecting the health of the voice is of great importance for people who actively use their voices, such as teachers, call center workers, and singers. Long-lasting or recurring hoarseness should never be ignored.
For a Strong and Healthy Voice...
If you are experiencing hoarseness, effective solutions without damaging your vocal cords are possible with early diagnosis. Remember, your voice is a part of your identity — protecting it is in your hands.
Hoarseness is a condition in which the voice sounds different than normal — weak, broken, thick, shaky, or not at all. It is usually a temporary condition, but in some cases it can be a sign of serious illnesses. Hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks in particular should definitely be evaluated by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.
What Causes Hoarseness?
- Viral infections (colds, flu, laryngitis)
- Excessive voice use (shouting, talking for long periods, singing loudly)
- Gastric reflux (GERD) – stomach acid escaping into the throat
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Allergies and air pollution
- Vocal cord nodules, polyps or cysts
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Nerve damage after thyroid surgery
- Tumors or laryngeal cancer (rarely)
- Feeling like a foreign body in the throat
- Throat clearing need
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the neck area
Hoarseness accompanied by these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Diagnostic Methods
To determine the cause of hoarseness:
- Detailed voice and speech evaluation
- Endoscopic examination (videolaryngoscopy) – direct visualization of the vocal cords
- CT or MRI when necessary
- Voice analysis and voice measurement tests
Treatment is shaped according to the cause of hoarseness:
- Drug therapy: For infections, allergies or reflux-related conditions
- Voice therapy: Exercises done with expert speech therapists for correct use of the voice
- Surgery: For structural problems such as nodules, polyps, cysts or tumors
- Voice hygiene recommendations: Quitting smoking, consuming enough water, speaking correctly techniques
Listen to Your Voice
The voice is an important part of both personal expression and professional life. Protecting the health of the voice is of great importance for people who actively use their voices, such as teachers, call center workers, and singers. Long-lasting or recurring hoarseness should never be ignored.
For a Strong and Healthy Voice...
If you are experiencing hoarseness, effective solutions without damaging your vocal cords are possible with early diagnosis. Remember, your voice is a part of your identity — protecting it is in your hands.
