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Voice Disorders in Adults

Voice disorders in adults may be caused by a number of conditions. They may be result of strain or overuse of your voice, an illness or the result of surgery. Vocal chord damage is usually not life-threatening, and typically only requires self care.

  1. Laryngitis

    • The most common condition that causes hoarseness or a sudden loss of voice is acute laryngitis. It is usually caused by swelling of your vocal chords as a result of a viral infection. Treatment involves resting your voice and keeping yourself hydrated. Chronic laryngitis is caused by an underlying problem, such as acid reflux or exposure to substances that are irritating to your throat.

    Lanryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

    • Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is the result of a reflux of stomach acid into your throat, causing hoarseness, swallowing difficulties or throat pain. This condition can occur without the typical symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn and regurgitation.

    Vocal Chord Conditions

    • Vocal chord hemorrhage is a condition that occur when one of the blood vessels of your vocal chords ruptures. Your vocal chord's soft tissues will fill with blood and you lose your voice. It usually results from yelling or shouting. Treatment is complete rest of of your voice until the hemorrhage heals. Vocal chord paralysis and paresis is a condition in which one of your vocal chords is weak or paralyzed, resulting in a soft, breathy voice. This can occur from neck or chest surgery, a viral infection or a tumor on your laryngeal nerves. In most cases it resolves by itself after several months.

    Misuse/Overuse

    • Misuse or overuse of your voice results in hoarseness. It is usually caused by strain from talking in noisy places, using the phone with it cradled on your shoulder, using an inappropriate pitch when talking, excess use of your cell phone or not using a microphone when speaking in public. Overuse or misuse can also lead to benign vocal chord lesions that alter the vibration of your vocal chords. This also causes hoarseness.

    Laryngeal Cancer

    • Chronic hoarseness requires medical treatment. Laryngeal cancer is a very serious condition, but it can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated promptly. Any changes in your voice should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor).

    Other Disorders

    • Other voice disorders include spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological problem that results in spasms of the muscles of your voice box, and vocal fold scarring, which is scar tissue on the vibrating layers of the vocal fold (a component of your voice box).

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