Hoarse Voice: How Hampshire ENT Specialists Can Help
A hoarse or croaky voice is common, especially after a cold or heavy voice use. Most cases improve within a couple of weeks, but if hoarseness persists, it could signal an underlying problem that needs expert attention.
At Hampshire ENT clinics, our consultants specialise in diagnosing and treating the full range of voice disorders, from simple vocal strain to more complex laryngeal conditions.
🗣️ What Causes a Hoarse Voice?
The voice comes from your vocal cords, located in the larynx (voice box). When these delicate tissues become irritated or inflamed, the voice can sound rough, weak, or breathy.
Common causes include:
Viral laryngitis (after a cold or flu)
Voice strain from shouting or prolonged talking
Acid reflux (silent reflux or LPR)
Allergies or postnasal drip
Smoking and alcohol
Thyroid or hormonal changes
Vocal cord nodules, cysts, or polyps
More serious conditions, such as early laryngeal cancer (especially in smokers or drinkers)
🩺 When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
You should seek a specialist opinion if:
Hoarseness lasts more than 3 weeks
You notice pain, difficulty swallowing, or a neck lump
Your voice suddenly changes without an obvious cause
You are a singer, teacher, or professional voice user with ongoing symptoms
An ENT specialist can perform a flexible nasendoscopy, a quick, painless examination using a small camera, to look directly at the vocal cords.
💡 Treatments Available at Hampshire ENT Clinics
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
Voice rest and hydration for acute laryngitis
Speech and language therapy to correct voice strain or misuse
Medication for reflux or allergies
Microlaryngoscopy or laser surgery to remove vocal cord lesions
Smoking cessation and lifestyle advice
Our goal is always to restore your natural, comfortable voice as quickly and safely as possible.
🎶 Specialist Voice Care in Hampshire
Hampshire ENT clinics provide care for singers, teachers, and other voice professionals who depend on their voice for work. We work closely with local speech and language therapists and voice specialists to ensure tailored, multidisciplinary care.
👉 If you’ve noticed a hoarse voice that’s not improving, contact Hampshire ENT clinics for a detailed assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Hoarse or Croaky Voice
What does it mean if my voice is hoarse or croaky?
A hoarse voice usually means the vocal cords are not vibrating normally. This can make the voice sound rough, weak, breathy, strained, or raspy.
Is hoarseness common?
Yes. Hoarseness is very common, particularly after a cold, flu, shouting, singing, or prolonged voice use. Most short-term cases improve within 1–2 weeks.
What are the most common causes of hoarseness?
Common causes include:
Viral laryngitis
Voice strain or overuse
Acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux, LPR)
Allergies or postnasal drip
Smoking or alcohol
Hormonal or thyroid-related changes
Benign vocal cord lesions (nodules, polyps, cysts)
Can reflux cause hoarseness without heartburn?
Yes. Silent reflux (LPR) often causes hoarseness, throat clearing, a lump sensation, or chronic cough without classic heartburn symptoms.
When should a hoarse voice be checked by an ENT specialist?
You should seek ENT assessment if:
Hoarseness lasts longer than 3 weeks
Your voice changes suddenly without a clear cause
You have pain when speaking or swallowing
You notice a neck lump
You are a smoker or heavy alcohol user
You rely on your voice professionally (e.g. teacher, singer)
Persistent hoarseness should never be ignored.
Is hoarseness ever a sign of cancer?
Most cases are benign. However, persistent hoarseness, especially in smokers or heavy alcohol users, can be an early sign of laryngeal (voice box) cancer, which is why timely assessment is important.
How is hoarseness investigated?
ENT assessment usually includes:
A detailed history
Examination of the neck
Flexible nasendoscopy – a quick, well-tolerated camera test to directly view the vocal cords
This allows accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
What is flexible nasendoscopy?
It is a brief, in-clinic examination using a thin flexible camera passed through the nose. It takes seconds, is not painful, and provides a clear view of how the vocal cords move.
What treatments are available for voice problems?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Voice rest and hydration
Speech and language therapy
Treatment for reflux or allergies
Medication
Microlaryngoscopy or laser surgery for vocal cord lesions
Lifestyle advice, including smoking cessation
The aim is to restore a comfortable, reliable voice while protecting long-term vocal health.
Do voice problems always need surgery?
No. Many voice disorders improve with voice therapy and medical treatment. Surgery is only recommended when clearly indicated.
Do singers and teachers need specialist voice care?
Yes. Professional voice users often benefit from early specialist assessment and joint care with speech and language therapists to prevent long-term voice damage.
Where can I be assessed for a hoarse voice?
Specialist voice assessment is available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, providing consultant-led care for patients across Hampshire.