Hoarseness

Hoarseness describes a change in the sound of your voice, which is a symptom of many conditions and throat problems. Richard D. Orgill, MD, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist that can find and treat the cause of your hoarseness. To schedule an evaluation at the nearest office, call or request an appointment online today. 

What is hoarseness?

Hoarseness, also called dysphonia, is a rough or husky-sounding voice affecting the sound and pitch of your voice. Depending on the cause, your voice change may come and go quickly or turn into a chronic problem.

If you have chronic or recurring hoarseness, you may have an underlying condition affecting the sound of your voice. Dr. Orgill is an experienced board-certified ENT physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating the root cause of hoarseness.

What are some causes of hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a common symptom. Most people develop the voice change from talking or singing too much. You can also have hoarseness from a throat infection. 

Some of the common conditions that cause hoarseness include:

• Sinus infection
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Voice disorders like vocal fold paralysis or vocal fold hemorrhage
• Swallowing disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Vocal nodules, polyps, or cysts
• Laryngeal cancer

Though most causes of hoarseness are harmless, some are serious. If you have concerns about hoarseness, Dr. Orgill can provide the answers you need.

What can I expect during an evaluation for hoarseness?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit Dr. Orgill with concerns about hoarseness. He works closely with you and his medical assistant to find the root cause of your symptoms.

Dr. Orgill reviews your symptoms and when they started. He also asks about the type of work you do and how you use your voice. He reviews your medical history and examines your throat.

During your exam, Dr. Orgill may use a laryngoscope to evaluate your larynx and take a sample of tissue — a biopsy. He may also request imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI of your throat.

What are some of the treatments for hoarseness?

Treatment for your hoarseness depends on the cause. If your voice change is from overuse, Dr. Orgill may provide suggestions on how to rest your voice to reduce hoarseness. He also treats any underlying medical condition causing hoarseness, such as a sinus infection.

If you have a condition that affects the structure of your voice box, Dr. Orgill may perform surgery to correct it, like the removal of cysts or nodules. He also does thyroidectomies to correct thyroid-related problems that affect the voice.

Schedule your hoarseness evaluation by calling Richard D. Orgill, MD, or request an appointment online today.