Why Has My Voice Changed?

Voice changes can stem from a variety of causes, many of which are related to conditions of the throat or vocal cords. Understanding the possible reasons behind these changes is key for getting your voice back to its best.

The board-certified ENT physicians and surgeons at Advanced Specialty Associates in Baxter and The Village at Mendota Heights, Minnesota, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your throat and voice.

If you’ve noticed voice changes, whether it’s become hoarse, raspy, or altogether different from what it used to be, take a moment to learn about some of the causes and the ways we can help. 

Common reasons your voice can change

Here are some of the most common reasons why your voice might change:

Vocal cord nodules and polyps

Vocal cord nodules and polyps are benign growths that can develop on your vocal cords due to overuse, such as from frequent shouting, singing, or speaking loudly. These growths can cause your voice to sound hoarse, breathy, or rough.

Nodules are typically small and develop on both vocal cords, while polyps are usually larger and can form on one or both cords. They interfere with the normal vibration of the vocal cords, which is necessary for producing a clear voice.

Your ENT provider can remove these growths, helping restore normal vocal cord function and improve your voice quality.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) caused by infections, overuse, or irritants like smoke and allergens. This inflammation can lead to a hoarse or completely lost voice.

Laryngitis usually causes only temporary voice changes that resolve with rest and proper care. However, chronic laryngitis can lead to long-term voice issues if not treated appropriately.

Treating laryngitis often involves resting your voice, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants. For more severe or persistent cases, our providers may recommend medications or other treatments to reduce inflammation and restore your voice.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of your tonsils, usually due to infection. Enlarged or inflamed tonsils can affect your voice, making it sound muffled or nasal.

Swollen tonsils can obstruct the airflow through your throat, affecting the resonance and clarity of your voice. Chronic tonsillitis can lead to persistent voice changes and discomfort.

For chronic or severe tonsillitis, our ENT surgeons may recommend a minimally invasive tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.

Less common causes of vocal changes

While some causes of voice changes are relatively common, others may be less frequently encountered but still important to consider, including:

Vocal cord paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both of the vocal cords cannot move properly. This can be caused by nerve damage from surgery, viral infections, or trauma.

Symptoms include a weak, breathy voice, difficulty speaking loudly, and frequent throat clearing. Vocal cord paralysis can significantly affect your ability to speak clearly and loudly.

At Advanced Speciality Associates, we offer vocal cord injections to help improve vocal cord function in cases of paralysis.

These injections add bulk to the paralyzed vocal cord, allowing it to better meet the opposite cord and produce a stronger, clearer voice. This treatment is often combined with voice therapy to maximize results.

Subglottic stenosis

Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords, which can be caused by scar tissue from intubation, inflammation, or congenital defects.

This condition can cause difficulty breathing, a high-pitched wheezing sound, and changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or a weaker voice.

Our ENT surgeons can perform a dilation procedure to widen the narrowed airway and improve airflow. This can help restore your normal voice and breathing function.

Vocal fold lesions

Vocal fold lesions can include cysts, papillomas, and tumors that form on the vocal folds. These can be caused by infections, irritants, or other medical conditions.

Lesions can cause hoarseness, voice fatigue, and changes in pitch or volume. At Advanced Specialty Associates, we offer excision surgery to remove vocal cord lesions.

Get personalized care for your voice

It’s essential to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause of your voice change and receive appropriate treatment.

We offer personalized care and advanced treatments to help you address voice changes and improve your vocal health. Whether you’re dealing with vocal cord lesions, laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) tonsillitis, or vocal cord paralysis, we’re here to help you regain your voice and achieve the best possible outcome.

Schedule an appointment with an ENT provider at Advanced Specialty Associates in Baxter or The Village at Mendota Heights, Minnesota, today.