A normal voice is produced when the vocal cords press together and vibrate from air passing between them exhaled from the lungs to produce the sound of your voice. A hoarse voice is generally caused by something that interferes with the ability of the vocal cords to press together and vibrate in a way that produces a normal sounding voice. Possible causes include growths, neurologic conditions, and swelling.

Growths affecting the vocal cords include benign nodules, polyps, papillomas, and malignant throat cancer.

Neurologic causes can include injury to the nerve controlling vocal cord movement possibly from a virus or surgery, or systemic neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease.

Swelling can be caused by trauma, yelling, coughing, throat clearing, and reflux of acid from the stomach.

We can evaluate these problems with a comprehensive history and physical examination that often includes Transnasal Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy.