What does it mean if my voice starts to sound different or hoarse?

Changes in the voice occur when the vocal cords (located in the larynx or voicebox) malfunction due to structural changes (inflammation or tumor in the cords) or changes in function (weakness or paralysis of the vocal cord). Common causes of hoarseness include:

1. acute laryngitis (vocal cord inflammation) due to Infection (cold or flu)
2. acute laryngitis due to strain (yelling)
3. chronic laryngitis from repeated irritation by things like noxious fume exposures (smoking), severe reflux disease (heartburn), or longstanding straining (yelling or singing)
4. benign or malignant polyps of the larynx (voicebox)
5. the least common cause of hoarseness is due to paralysis of a vocal cord resulting from destruction or malfunction of the nerves that go to the voice box. This can be due to neck trauma or tumors that destroy that nerve such as cancers of the throat, neck and lung.

You should see your doctor if you have hoarseness lasting for more than 2 weeks especially when you have not had a recent cold or flu. Hoarseness which doesn't go away is much more worrisome if you have a history of tobacco or alcohol use since these things increase your risk of head, neck, and lung cancers.

The vocal folds are two muscles that vibrate when you talk. Like violin strings, is they are not vibrating properly or something is on the surface that interferes with the vibration, you will be hoarse.

Several things can make that happen including swelling, growths or paralysis or weakness of a vocal fold. If you are hoarse for more than three weeks, please consult a voice specialist (otolaryngologist or laryngologist).