Hoarseness and Voice Disorders
Hoarseness and Voice Disorders Services
At Spokane ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluation of hoarseness and voice disorders, conditions that can affect speaking, singing, and daily communication. Hoarseness—a change in voice quality such as roughness, breathiness, or strain—can result from voice overuse, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), vocal cord nodules or polyps, infections, allergies, smoking, or neurologic conditions. Our team performs thorough evaluation using laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and identify the cause of your symptoms, which helps guide appropriate treatment or referral for voice therapy or surgery when indicated.
We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate voice disorders, including detailed history taking to understand the onset, pattern, and any contributing factors such as voice use, reflux symptoms, or illness. Our evaluation includes laryngoscopic examination to view the throat and vocal cords, looking for signs of inflammation, nodules, polyps, paralysis, or other structural or functional abnormalities. We differentiate between conditions that respond to medical management (such as LPR or acute laryngitis) and those that may require voice therapy or surgical intervention. When indicated, we coordinate with speech-language pathologists for voice therapy or with our surgeons for procedures on the vocal cords.
Our treatment approach depends on the identified cause. For LPR-related hoarseness, we focus on reflux management. For voice overuse or muscle tension, voice rest and voice therapy are often beneficial. For vocal cord nodules or polyps that do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be discussed. Our goal is to restore clear, comfortable voice function. For related conditions, see our Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy pages.
Hoarseness and Voice Disorders Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Hoarseness can result from voice overuse, LPR (reflux), vocal cord nodules or polyps, infections, allergies, smoking, or neurologic conditions. Evaluation with laryngoscopy helps identify the cause.
See an ENT if hoarseness lasts more than 2–3 weeks, is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, or occurs with throat pain or a lump. Persistent voice changes warrant evaluation.
Evaluation includes a detailed history, laryngoscopic examination to visualize the vocal cords, and sometimes voice assessment. We look for nodules, polyps, inflammation, paralysis, or other structural or functional issues.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include voice rest, lifestyle changes, treatment of LPR or allergies, voice therapy, or surgery when indicated. Many conditions improve with medical management and voice therapy.
Yes. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common cause of chronic hoarseness. Stomach acid irritating the larynx can lead to vocal cord inflammation. Treatment of LPR often improves voice symptoms.