Hoarseness of Voice

Are you asking yourself: why is my voice hoarse?

And are you wondering how to get rid of hoarseness?

Then, keep on reading because on this page, you are going to learn everything you need to know about hoarseness and how to deal with it.

Keep your voice healthy!

Let’s start with the definition of hoarseness. What does hoarseness mean?

Hoarseness is a word that describes abnormal voice changes. A hoarse voice can sound breathy, strained or raspy. Other words describing a hoarse voice is rough, husky, or harsh.

A singer or a person who experiences hoarseness of voice, may suddenly have a deeper voice, or is unable to sing high and soft notes, or his voice may become weak and breathy.

Hoarseness is a symptom, not a disease. Hoarseness is a sign indicating that there is some kind of voice issue present. And there can be a number of conditions that manifest themselves as hoarseness of voice.

Vocal Fold Swelling

Vocal fold swelling is a build up of fluid just beneath the superficial layer of the vocal folds. As a result, the vocal folds become thick and therefore, they cannot function in a normal way.

Usually, when you experience vocal fold swelling, your voice suddenly becomes deeper and you may sound hoarse and husky. Also, when vocal folds are swollen, you lose the ability to speak or sing at higher frequencies softly.

The greater the amount of swelling, the greater the loss of vocal range.

The most common causes of vocal fold swelling are:

• an upper respiratory infection, such as common cold or flu
• vocal overuse
• excessive coughing, throat clearing
• inadequate vocal technique.

Organic Causes of Hoarseness

When the structure of the vocal folds is changed, we talk about organic causes. This can be something innocent like a vocal nodule or it can be a more serious problem, such as cancer.

The vocal folds cannot vibrate properly because this extra bump or growth is preventing the vocal folds from coming together completely or vibrate properly. When the vocal folds cannot come closely together, you sound breathy and weak.

You can either have a hoarse voice quality only in some parts of your vocal register or throughout the whole vocal range.

If you sound raspy in your whole range, then there is something affecting a big portion of the vocal folds.

If you sound hoarse only in a specific area of your vocal range, then the grows or change is probably smaller in size.

The most common hoarse voice causes in this case are:

• behaviours that abuse, misuse or overuse your voice
• inadequate vocal technique when singing or talking
• fungal infections (less common)
• cancer (less common). 

Non-Organic Causes of Hoarseness

In this case of hoarseness, there is nothing wrong with the structure of the vocal folds. However, the function of the larynx or the muscles around it is impaired causing hoarseness of voice.

For example, in some instances, the vocal folds can come together and vibrate absolutely normally but the voice quality is affected by increased tension of muscles surrounding the larynx.

This happens for example, when you chronically strain your voice or use muscles that are not necessary for producing sounds.

The bottom line is that a hoarse voice is a warning sign. If you experience hoarseness of voice, without the presence of a common cold or flu, it is time to start looking for a solution.

If your hoarseness lasts for more than 2 weeks, if you suffer from recurring hoarseness, or if your voice is chronically hoarse, it is time to talk to a voice specialist who can actually look at your vocal folds and assess their structure and function.

Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D5SjODAoh8

Hoarse Voice Remedy

What can you do to get rid of hoarseness as a result of vocal fold swelling, either due to an infection, such as common cold or flu, or due to voice overuse?

Before I give you three steps to a healthy voice, let me tell you what happens with your vocal folds when you sound hoarse due to overuse or infection.

Your vocal folds are made of several layers. When your vocal folds are swollen, there is a build up of fluid just beneath the most superficial layer of the vocal folds.

This is a protective mechanism, which creates a cushion of fluid to prevent further damage to deeper layers of the vocal folds. The fluid build up makes the vocal folds thick.

Thicker vocal folds sound hoarse or husky and your voice may suddenly become deeper. So, the focus of hoarse voice treatment in this case should be decreasing the amount of fluid build up, decreasing the vocal fold swelling.

How do you do that?

Here are three steps you need to take in order to give your voice the best chance to recover.

Step 1 – Proper Hydration

When you are sick, you are losing water from your body through perspiration, so you need to replenish the lost fluids.

When you overuse your voice, the most superficial layer of the vocal folds also gets damaged and it needs to be well hydrated in order to be restored and maintain an adequate mucous coat to protect the vocal folds.

Simply, dehydrated vocal folds become even more susceptible to vocal injury.

There are two ways of hydrating your vocal instrument:

• internal hydration (drinking of plenty of fluids)
• external hydration (humidifying the air and steaming your voice).

 

Step 2 – Vocal Rest

Vocal rest simply means that you limit your voice use to essential communication needs. Because with every sound you make, the superficial layer of the vocal folds gets broken and damaged, you want to just stop making any unnecessary sounds.

If you need to talk, do it gently.

Don’t whisper, just use a gentle voice to communicate your needs.

Step 3 – Choose Your Weapons Wisely

When our voice does not sound normally, or when we get sick, many people tend to reach for medication and lozenges as their first line of defence. However, some of these weapons can have adverse effect on your voice.

For example, Aspirin or Ibuprofen reduce vocal fold swelling and pain but they also have an adverse effect on the voice.

However, sometimes you simply need to take this type of drug.

In that case, avoid sudden and high impact on the vocal folds, such as prolonged and excessive voice use, yelling, coughing or grunting.

The risk is small but there is a risk.

Another group of drugs with known side effects on your voice are decongestants, such as Sudafed. They have a drying effect on your body, including the mucous covering of the vocal folds.

If you can, avoid using medications with a drying effect.

But again, if you need to use them, increase the intake of water to make up for their drying effect.

Bonus tip

Consider hoarse voice treatment home remedy. For example, add honey to your tea. Honey contains antioxidants. And therefore, according to modern scientific literature, honey could be considered a natural therapeutic agent for various medicinal purposes.

Ginger also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties.

If your throat hurts as a result of an infection, gargle with salt water and take an extra dose of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping your immune system healthy.

Vocal fold swelling due to voice overuse should go away within 24 to 48 hours.

If you experience hoarseness as a result of an infection, it should resolve itself when infection is no more present, which can take 1 to 2 weeks.

Here is a video about hoarse voice remedy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZa9bn1H8-o

Best Throat Lozenges for Singers and Voice Users

Are you wondering which are the best throat lozenges for singers? You get sick and your throat hurts. Which sore throat lozenges really work without harming your voice?

First, let’s be clear about one thing:

Throat lozenges are not intended to cure or treat any disease.

They are meant to help you soothe your throat, relieve the pain or other symptoms you may have. But not all lozenges were created equal. Some of throat lozenges may have a negative effect on your voice.

Group 1: Medicated Throat Lozenges

One of the drugs contained in throat lozenges is an anesthetic, which is a drug that decreases pain. This type of lozenges numbs your throat so that you get a temporary relieve of throat pain.

Other lozenges can contain antiseptics, which is a drug killing viruses and bacteria in your throat. Examples of medicated lozenges are Cepacol or Strepsils. And there are many different types of Cepacol and Strepsils lozenges with different combination of drugs in them.

The problem with numbing lozenges is that they mask pain. If you don’t feel pain, you are more prone to vocal injuries because you can easily overwork your vocal folds.

So, if you opt for numbing lozenges because the pain is simply unbearable, don’t sing or use your voice extensively while you are taking them.

Group 2: Lozenges with Menthol and Eucalyptus

Menthol and eucalyptus are mostly used as decongestants. So, this group of lozenges may be good for a blocked nose or sinuses.

Menthol constricts the blood vessels in the nose, which reduces swelling and you are able to breathe easier.

The main drawback of lozenges containing menthol is that they have a dehydrating effect. Examples of menthol lozenges are regular Halls, Ricola, Fisherman’s Friend or Vicks.

Group 3: Non-Medicated Throat Lozenges

Finally, there is a third group of lozenges that do not contain any drugs but have active ingredients, such as pectin, glycerin or elm bark, and therefore provide good throat lubrication for singers.

To find out examples of lubricating lozenges, watch this video:

Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMaAaKneMZA

 

Singing with a Hoarse Voice

We all get sick from time to time.

When you are struck by a virus or bacteria, your voice can be affected too. You may suffer from laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the larynx. The vocal folds become pink, red, irritated and swollen. Sound production may be difficult or even painful, and the voice becomes hoarse.

So, let’s answer the first question: Is singing with laryngitis possible?

The answer is: yes, it is possible but not ideal.

The structure of the vocal folds during laryngitis changes, they become thicker and less flexible and therefore, your voice will sound hoarse and deeper than usual.

You will require more effort to set the vocal folds into vibration and produce a clear voice. You will need to strain your voice to make your vocal folds close properly. This puts additional stress on already compromised vocal folds.

However, it is possible and many singers go on and sing in spite of being sick.

So, how to get rid of laryngitis as soon as possible?

Your vocal folds need three things to repair themselves:

TIME

The first few days are the worst, your voice is hoarse, it’s almost impossible to talk or sing, your throat hurts, and you may have a hard time swallowing.

But these symptoms should subside within a few days. Viral infections simply need to run their course. Bacterial infections may require a course of antibiotics, so visit your doctor to see how to deal with your infection.

In the initial stages, you may need to use some medication, such as painkillers, but many of these drugs for common colds have adverse effect on voice.

For example, aspirin may reduce swelling but it also increases the risk of bleeding.

So, if you decide to take aspirin, avoid sudden and high impact vocal behaviours, including high energy singing or prolonged excessive voice use.

REST

Getting rest is important not just for your voice but for your body too. Give your voice a break as much as possible.

I believe that sleep is the best doctor and it definitely helps you get back to normal as soon as possible.

Also, decrease vocal use and demands on your voice during the initial stages. Let other people talk during this time. Chose activities that do not require your voice, like reading a book or watching a movie.

WATER AND AIR

Yes, hydration is the way to go. This rule applies even more when it comes to a hoarse singing voice and laryngitis. Keep those vocal folds hydrated because dry vocal folds are more susceptible to vocal injuries.

Also, if your body produces extra mucus and phlegm, which is more viscous and thicker than normal, hydration helps to thin the mucus down.

Additionally, some drugs can have a drying effect so you need to counteract this effect too. So, drink sufficient amounts of fluids, humidify your bedroom and steam your voice.

BONUS TIP

Often, when you get sick, you find yourself coughing and clearing your throat due to increased production of mucus. Try to minimize these abusive behaviours because they bring the vocal folds together in a very forceful way and compromise them even more.

I know it’s easier said than done. If you need to cough, you need to cough.

But you can use saline sprays or saline nasal irrigation systems or salt water for gargling to reduce the amount of mucus from your nose and throat, which will lessen the need for coughing and throat clearing.

If possible, cancel or reschedule your vocal commitments to give your voice a chance to heal properly. Speak to a doctor to get a professional opinion and help if you are not sure what to do.

If your hoarseness persists for longer than 2 weeks, it is time to talk to a voice specialist.

Visit an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor who can look at your vocal folds and assess their structure and function.

Here is a video that talks about this topic in more detail:

Why Is My Voice Hoarse After Singing?

Now, let's talk about causes of hoarseness after singing. Many singers believe that a hoarse singing voice is a part of being a singer.

But they could not be more wrong!

Whether you experience hoarseness occasionally after a vigorous vocal practice or your voice is hoarse every time you sing, you should know that it does not have to be that way.

In fact, it should not be that way.

There are two main groups of possible causes:

Cause #1: Too Long

If you use your voice for long periods of time, longer than what your voice is conditioned to, you can experience hoarseness of voice. Vocal folds are a wonderful human organ able to self-repair very fast.

It takes only one to two days for the swelling to go down and five days to renew the superficial layer of the vocal folds completely if you give your voice a chance to heal.

However, if you continue using your voice for a very long time, the vocal folds simply don’t have the power to restore and repair.

Cause #2: Too Much Constriction

This is probably the most common cause of hoarseness when singing. Using incorrect vocal technique can lead to unwanted constriction, tension and strain at the level of the larynx.

The technique can lack in one or several areas of singing skills, such as:

• proper breathing technique,
• optimal alignment,
• full and balanced resonance,
• controlled vocal fold closure,
• appropriate diction,
• and other skills.

Sometimes, too much constriction in the vocal tract can be created when you try a new exercise without really understanding how to do it. Or imitating singing models who strain can lead to hoarseness too.

And sometimes it’s just not knowing at all how to control the vocal instrument or having wrong ideas about how to sing.

Here is a video that explains causes of hoarseness after singing in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHc57o8dymw

Finally, let's move onto the topic of hoarseness treatment.

How To Cure Hoarseness

How to get rid of a hoarse voice?

It depends.

As you can see there may be various reasons for hoarseness. The treatment will depend on the cause of a hoarse voice. However, the following 6 very concrete tips are applicable to any cause of hoarseness.

Tip #1 Boost Your Vocal Hygiene

As soon as your voice starts sounding differently, intensify your basic vocal hygiene routine. It does not matter if your hoarseness is acute, chronic or recurrent, this tip should be the first step in your treatment approach.

Vocal rest together with internal and external hydration can really help you improve your voice drastically, especially if your vocal folds are swollen.

Tip #2 Seek Professional Help

The most common cause of hoarseness is an acute infection, such as common cold or flu. You may or may not visit a doctor to help you deal with the infection.

But if your hoarseness does not go away after two weeks, after the infection has resolved, then it’s time to visit a specialist.

Consulting with a specialist should be the first step in chronic hoarseness treatment or when you experience hoarseness frequently or regularly.

Tip #3 Try Some Home Remedies

Home remedies play only a supportive role. According to research, honey has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Ginger also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and lemon, which is full of vitamin C, plays an important role in keeping your immune system healthy.

I also recommend gargling with salt water, which is known to reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus and get rid of unwanted microbes.

I also recommend cleaning your nasal cavities with saline nasal rinses and saline sprays.

Tip #4 Beware of Medication

People often reach for common over-the-counter drugs to heal hoarseness, not realizing that they may actually put their voice at risk. Beware of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, which may reduce vocal fold swelling but may have an adverse effect on voice.

If you need to take this type of drug, avoid sudden and high impact on the vocal folds, such as prolonged and excessive voice use.

Also, beware of decongestants, which have a drying effect on your body, including the vocal folds.

Tip #5 Eliminate Vocal Abuse

Phonotrauma, which is a fancy name for vocal abuse, misuse and overuse, is often a common cause of hoarseness. It is important to evaluate your voice use objectively and find behaviours that may be responsible for hoarseness.

Once you know which behaviours put your voice at risk, you can start eliminating them as well as developing healthy vocal technique.

Tip #6 Vocal Exercises for Hoarseness

There are no quick fix vocal exercises for hoarseness.

However, if there is too much constriction or tension in the larynx, you can do vocal exercises that promote healthy talking and singing.

I recommend relaxation, stretching and vocal exercises to eliminate vocal tension; for example, exercises to eliminate tongue, jaw or neck tension, vocal exercises that improve resonance so that you can project your voice instead of pushing it, or breathing exercises to improve the driving force behind your speaking or singing.

Here is a video that talks about hoarseness treatment more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7dZQU5WJX0

If you know someone who would benefit from learning about this topic, please share it with them. Thank you!

How To Cure a Hoarse Voice In an Hour?

Hoarseness is a symptom, not a disease. There are many different causes of hoarse voice and they are treated differently. In order to plan a successful treatment, you need to know the cause of hoarseness.

There are types of hoarseness, which cannot be cured quickly or in a short period of time. More specifically, chronic hoarseness of voice, which lasts for more than 2 weeks, requires time and a comprehensive approach to treat successfully. Also, hoarseness due to an acute viral illness such as common cold or flu, needs to run its course and there is not much to do to speed up the process.

However, acute hoarseness due to vocal fold swelling resulting from a one time vocal misuse or overuse, can be treated relatively quickly. The best emergency vocal remedy includes plenty of fluids like water or warm teas with lemon, honey or ginger, vocal rest (as much as possible in the initial stages), warm steam for the voice, good nasal hygiene and sleep. Vocal folds have an amazing ability to self-restore and you should be back to normal within 24 hours.

Here is a video that talks about it more:

Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWj1aVH7UzI