How to Fix Hoarseness in the Vocal Cords

Hoarseness, despite its cause, has many treatments. You must first determine how much it affects your life, before going to have it treated. If it is constant and interferes with other things, you should definitely be seen by a doctor or an otolaryngologist. An otolaryngologist is a voice specialist and will help you identify the treatment that works best for you.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your regular doctor. The cause of your hoarseness may be due to sickness. If it isn't, your doctor can refer you to an otolaryngologist, which is a doctor that specializes in speech and language. You should see an otolaryngologist, if your hoarseness persists for over three weeks.

• 2

  Have your vocal cords examined. Sometimes lesions, which can be benign or cancerous, grow on your vocal cords and interfere with speech -- making you sound hoarse. There also may be cysts, polyps or nodules on your vocal cords. Examination of the vocal cords is done several different ways including using a mirror, fiberoptic instruments, and sometimes a special lighting system.

• 3

  Treat cysts, polyps and nodules the way that your otolaryngologist suggests. This can be done through microsurgery, and in combination with voice training. The treatment will depend upon the cause of the hoarseness. Many patients simply abstain from talking for a period of time to allow their voices to heal.