Why Does My Voice Sound Hoarse?

Hoarseness, or dysphonia in medical terms, is a condition that causes your voice to sound crackly, raspy, and strained. The pitch and volume of your voice are usually affected, too. It can be frustrating to try to talk when your voice is hoarse. When it happens suddenly or lasts for several days, you may worry about the underlying cause.

Matthew W. Shawl, MD, sees patients with voice issues at his Union Square office in New York City. In this post, he outlines some of the most common reasons for hoarseness and explains if and when you should seek medical attention.

Common causes of hoarseness

Hoarseness has many common causes, such as:

Acid reflux

When stomach acid flows backward into your esophagus (a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), it can travel up to your throat and agitate your vocal cords, leading to persistent hoarseness.

Overuse or misuse

Yelling, cheering, and talking loudly for an extended period can cause overuse or misuse trauma to your vocal cords and contribute to a temporary crackly, raspy, and spotty sound.

Smoking

In addition to the risk of throat cancer, tobacco smoke dries out the tissues in your throat, irritates your vocal cords, and can permanently alter the pitch and tone of your voice. Talk to Dr. Shawl if you need resources and support to help you quit smoking.

Laryngitis

Upper respiratory viruses, sinus infections, and allergies cause laryngitis, a condition marked by an inflamed voice box and swollen vocal cords.

Vocal cord nodules or polyps

Nodules and polyps are noncancerous growths that put pressure on your vocal cords.

Neurological disorders

Muscles in your larynx can be compromised by neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease or a stroke.

While these are the most common, many other conditions can contribute to voice issues and hoarseness.

When to seek medical care for hoarseness

Typically, hoarseness resolves on its own with hydration and rest. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, consult Dr. Shawl, our board-certified otolaryngologist specializing in throat conditions such as hoarseness.

He listens to your voice, examines your throat, and may run one or more of the following tests:

Blood work
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Laryngoscopy
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

In rare cases, after a comprehensive examination, he may recommend a biopsy to rule out a cancerous condition.

Preventive measures

If you’re prone to hoarseness, there are a few proactive steps you can take to help prevent it, such as:

Managing acid reflux
Avoiding vocal strain
Hydrating often
Resting your vocals
Quitting smoking

If you’re dealing with persistent hoarseness or other voice issues, call our Manhattan office to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online at your convenience.