What is hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a general term which describes some abnormal changes in the voice. When hoarse, your voice may sound breathy, strained, raspy or may be some changes in loud or pitch. These changes in voice are usually disorders in the vocal folds which are parts of your voice box.

What are the causes?

There are many causes of your Harsh Voice. Fortunately, most of them are not too serious and can prevent in a short period of time. The most common cause is acute laryngitis which usually occurs because of swelling in your vocal box from upper respiratory viral infection, a common cold, or irritation caused by the excessive use of voice such as screaming in a rock or sports event.

The other cause of prolonged hoarseness in your voice is usually due to using your voice too much, too loudly or in an improper way for a long period of time. These habits can cause vocal nodules or polyps, which are callous-like growths. Smoking is another cause of hoarseness. Since smoking is one of the major causes of throat cancer, if smokers find their voice hoarse, they should immediately contact an otolaryngologist.

How are vocal disorders treated?

The treatment of Hoarseness Of Voice depends on the underlying conditions such as vocal hygiene, voice therapy and specific treatment of vocal cord lesions. Most of the hoarseness can be simply treated by resting your voice or modifying how it is used? The otolaryngologist may make some recommendations to you about your voice use behavior, and in some cases like a discrete lesion, such as a nodule or polyp, is identified, a surgery is recommend.

However, the most effective and non-surgical treatment for your Raspy Voice is the voice therapy. The main goal of voice therapy is to modify your vocal behaviors to reduce laryngeal trauma. It involves vocal and physical exercises, vocal hygiene, voice rest, muscle relaxation, and respiratory support. Moreover, the speech or language pathologists are also trained to assist patients in behavior modification which may help in eliminating some voice disorders.

This treatment can be especially helpful for those persons whose jobs depend on singing or talking loudly or for long span of time. Referral for surgical or other interventions is indicated whenever the conservative method of voice therapy is unsuccessful. In addition to this, there are also some habits, suggest by voice therapists which should be followed while having this therapy:

• If you smoke, quit
• Avoid dehydrating agents, such as alcohol and caffeine
• Drink plenty of water
• Watch your diet - avoid spicy foods and alcohol
• Never use your voice too long or too loudly
• Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse

In conclusion, it is not all about how to fix your hoarse voice, it is all about how to fix your voice for life.