Hoarseness & Voice Concerns

At Atlantic ENT, our specialists diagnose and treat voice and throat disorders that affect your ability to speak clearly and comfortably, helping you regain confidence in your voice and improve your overall quality of life.

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Hoarseness and Voice Concerns in Central Florida

Your voice is essential to how you communicate, connect, and express yourself. When hoarseness or voice changes occur, they can disrupt both your personal and professional life. At Atlantic Ear, Nose & Throat, our experienced otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists specialize in identifying the underlying causes of hoarseness and other vocal concerns. Using advanced diagnostic tools such as videostroboscopy and laryngoscopy, we deliver accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans that help patients restore vocal strength, tone, and clarity.

What Is Hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a change in the voice that can make it sound raspy, weak, strained, or breathy. While short-term hoarseness is common and often caused by colds or vocal strain, persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation by an ENT specialist.

Hoarseness can affect individuals of all ages, from singers and teachers who use their voices professionally to children and adults dealing with chronic throat irritation. Understanding the cause is key to determining the right treatment.

Common Causes of Hoarseness and Voice Changes

A variety of factors can lead to hoarseness or other voice-related issues. At Atlantic ENT, our team investigates all possible causes to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

1. Vocal Overuse or Misuse

Shouting, speaking loudly for long periods, or using incorrect vocal techniques can strain or injure the vocal cords. Overuse is one of the most common—and most preventable—causes of hoarseness.

2. Upper Respiratory Infections

Viral illnesses such as the common cold or laryngitis often cause temporary inflammation of the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness that typically improves with rest and hydration.

3. Acid Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)

When stomach acid travels up the throat, it can irritate the vocal cords and cause chronic hoarseness, throat clearing, or a lump-like sensation in the throat.

4. Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Exposure to allergens, pollution, smoke, or dry air can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to voice changes over time.

5. Vocal Cord Lesions

Benign growths like nodules, cysts, or polyps can develop on the vocal cords due to repeated irritation or strain, affecting vocal quality and control.

6. Nerve Damage or Paralysis

When one or both vocal cords lose mobility due to nerve injury, the voice may sound weak, breathy, or uneven. This condition often requires specialized evaluation and therapy.

7. Serious Conditions

Persistent hoarseness can sometimes signal more serious issues, such as tumors or cancer of the larynx. For this reason, any unexplained or long-lasting voice change should be assessed promptly.

Symptoms That May Accompany Hoarseness

Depending on the underlying cause, hoarseness may occur alongside other symptoms, including:

Sore or dry throat
Frequent coughing or throat clearing
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Sensation of something stuck in the throat
Weak or fatigued voice after speaking
Loss of vocal range (especially in singers or public speakers)

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to schedule an evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.

Diagnosing Voice and Throat Conditions

At Atlantic ENT, we use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your vocal cords and throat structures safely and effectively.

Laryngoscopy

A thin, flexible camera is used to view the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. This quick, in-office procedure helps identify inflammation, lesions, or other structural changes.

Videostroboscopy

This advanced test provides a detailed, magnified view of the vocal cords in motion using a strobe light to simulate slow-motion vibration. It allows our specialists to assess how well the vocal cords are functioning during speech.

Additional Testing

Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend imaging, reflux testing, or a referral to our speech-language pathologists for further assessment.

Treatment Options for Hoarseness and Voice Disorders

The right treatment depends on the cause of your hoarseness and the severity of your symptoms. Our specialists offer a range of therapies and procedures to restore vocal health.

Voice Rest and Hydration

In many cases, hoarseness caused by overuse or mild inflammation can be resolved through simple voice rest, hydration, and avoidance of irritants.

Voice Therapy

Our licensed speech-language pathologists create individualized voice therapy programs to help you improve vocal strength, tone, and endurance. These sessions focus on proper vocal techniques, breath control, and prevention of further strain.

Medication Management

For hoarseness caused by acid reflux or allergies, medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and protect the vocal cords.

Surgical Treatment

In cases where growths, paralysis, or structural abnormalities are present, minimally invasive surgical techniques may be used to restore normal vocal cord function.

Lifestyle Modifications

Avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and managing reflux symptoms can all play a major role in preventing recurrent hoarseness.

Why Choose Atlantic ENT for Voice and Throat Care?

At Atlantic ENT, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to provide complete solutions for voice and throat conditions. Our board-certified ENT physicians and experienced speech-language pathologists work collaboratively to restore vocal function and prevent future problems. With convenient offices in Lake Mary, Orange City, and DeLand, we make it easy to receive expert care close to home.

Hoarseness and Voice Concerns FAQs

How long should hoarseness last before I see a doctor?

If your hoarseness lasts more than two weeks—especially without an obvious cause such as a cold—it’s time to schedule an ENT evaluation.

Can allergies or reflux cause long-term hoarseness?

Yes. Chronic postnasal drip or acid reflux can inflame the vocal cords, leading to persistent voice changes that require treatment.

Is hoarseness common in singers or public speakers?

Yes, professional voice users are at higher risk for vocal strain and nodules. Preventive voice therapy can help strengthen and protect the vocal cords.

Will I need surgery for hoarseness?

Most cases of hoarseness resolve with rest, medication, or therapy. Surgery is reserved for structural problems or when conservative treatments don’t provide relief.

Can hoarseness be a sign of throat cancer?

In rare cases, yes—persistent hoarseness can be an early warning sign. This is why it’s important to have chronic voice changes evaluated by an ENT specialist.