When to Worry About Hoarseness: 4 Signs Your Voice Is Telling You Something’s Wrong

Hoarseness happens. Maybe it’s after a long phone call, a late night out, or a nasty cold. But when that raspy voice sticks around a little too long, it could be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.” Here, we’ll walk you through four signs your hoarseness might be pointing to something more serious.

At New York ENT, our team is led by board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. David Volpi, who brings over 30 years of experience treating complex voice and airway disorders. Located in the heart of New York City, our practice offers advanced diagnostics and in-office treatments that prioritize your comfort and long-term vocal health.

1. Hoarseness That Lasts More Than Two Weeks

Most cases of hoarseness clear up on their own, especially when caused by things like colds or overuse. But if your voice hasn’t bounced back after two weeks, it’s time to take it seriously. Chronic hoarseness could be related to:

• Chronic laryngitis from acid reflux or smoking.
• Benign vocal cord lesions, like nodules or cysts.
• More serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or, rarely, laryngeal cancer.

A persistent voice change isn’t something to brush off. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better your chances of a good outcome.

2. Sudden Loss of Voice

Losing your voice overnight, especially after using your voice heavily (such as shouting or singing), could indicate a vocal cord hemorrhage. This occurs when a small blood vessel bursts in the vocal cord. You might not feel pain, but the sudden silence is a big red flag. Vocal cord hemorrhages require immediate voice rest and evaluation by Dr. Volpi.

3. Difficulty Breathing or Noisy Breathing

If hoarseness comes with trouble breathing or noisy breathing (called stridor), it could be a sign of something affecting your airway, such as:

• Vocal cord paralysis, which limits the cords’ ability to open.
• Swelling or obstruction, possibly from infection or injury.
• Neurological issues that affect the larynx, also known as the voice box.

These symptoms should be evaluated right away to rule out more serious causes.

4. Hoarseness With Pain, Cough, or a Lump

If hoarseness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, or a lump in your neck, it could indicate an infection, inflammation, or a more serious underlying issue, like laryngeal cancer. While cancer is rare, it’s not worth the risk of waiting.

Get evaluated if your voice symptoms are paired with:

• A chronic cough or throat clearing.
• Visible swelling in your neck or throat.
• Pain when talking or swallowing.

These signs should be investigated by Dr. Volpi as soon as possible.

Speak Up About Your Voice

Your voice is one of your most important tools, so don’t ignore what it’s trying to tell you. Call 212-873-6036 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. David Volpi.