Hoarseness and Voice Care

Hoarseness means a change in the quality of the voice. The voice may sound rough, weak, breathy, strained, or lower than usual.

Common causes include voice overuse, viral infections, irritation from smoking or vaping, reflux, and vocal-fold problems.

What can help?

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid shouting, prolonged loud talking, and repeated throat clearing.
• Rest the voice when it feels strained.
• Use amplification if you need to speak to large groups.
• Avoid smoking and vaping.
• Treat nasal congestion or reflux when they are contributing.
• Avoid whispering for prolonged periods, as it can also strain the voice.

Throat clearing

Frequent throat clearing can irritate the vocal cords and create a cycle of further irritation.

Instead, try:

• Taking a sip of water
• Swallowing
• A gentle cough only when needed

When should hoarseness be assessed?

Arrange an ENT assessment if:

• Hoarseness lasts more than about 3–4 weeks
• The voice is progressively worsening
• There is persistent pain with speaking
• There is persistent difficulty or pain with swallowing
• There is coughing up blood
• There is a neck lump
• There is unexplained weight loss
• You smoke or have a significant smoking history
• Your voice is important for your profession and symptoms are persistent

Seek urgent assessment if hoarseness is associated with significant difficulty breathing.

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