Constant Hoarseness? Why Your Larynx May Be Struggling — and What to Do Next

If your voice has been hoarse for weeks, it's not just "one of those things." Persistent hoarseness is your body's way of telling you something is affecting your larynx — commonly known as your voice box.

Occasional voice changes after a cold or loud event are normal. But when hoarseness lasts longer than two to three weeks, it's time to take it seriously.

This guide explains:

• What the larynx does
• Why hoarseness happens
• When it may signal something serious
• What medical steps come next

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What Is the Larynx and Why It Matters

The larynx is a small but essential structure located in your throat, just above your windpipe (trachea). It has three major roles:

• Voice production (housing your vocal cords)
• Breathing (keeping your airway open)
• Protection (preventing food from entering your lungs)

Inside the larynx are the vocal cords — two flexible bands of tissue that vibrate when air passes through them. That vibration creates your voice.

When the larynx becomes inflamed, irritated, injured, or structurally changed, your voice changes too.

Hoarseness happens when:

• Your voice sounds raspy
• It feels weak or breathy
• You lose vocal range
• You struggle to speak loudly
• Your voice cuts in and out

If this continues, your larynx may not be functioning properly.

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Common Causes of Constant Hoarseness

Not all hoarseness is dangerous. But persistent symptoms deserve evaluation. Here are the most common reasons your larynx may be affected:

1. Chronic Laryngitis

Long-term inflammation of the larynx is often caused by:

• Acid reflux (GERD or silent reflux)
• Smoking or vaping
• Alcohol use
• Air pollution
• Repeated vocal strain
• Chronic sinus drainage

Reflux is one of the most overlooked causes. Stomach acid can irritate the larynx even if you don't have heartburn.

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2. Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, or Cysts

These are benign (non-cancerous) growths on the vocal cords.

They often develop from:

• Repeated shouting
• Singing without proper technique
• Long-term voice overuse
• Chronic coughing

Think of them as "calluses" on the vocal cords. They prevent the cords from closing properly, leading to hoarseness.

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3. Vocal Cord Paralysis

If one or both vocal cords cannot move properly, your voice may sound breathy or weak.

Causes can include:

• Viral infections
• Thyroid surgery
• Neck or chest surgery
• Neurological conditions
• Tumors pressing on nerves

This requires medical evaluation.

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4. Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland sits near the larynx. Enlargement (goiter) or thyroid nodules can press on the voice box and change your voice.

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5. Chronic Postnasal Drip

Mucus draining down the throat irritates the larynx and can cause ongoing hoarseness.

Allergies are a common culprit.

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6. Laryngeal Cancer

This is the most serious — but less common — cause of persistent hoarseness.

Risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• HPV infection
• Age over 55
• Male sex

Early laryngeal cancer often presents with hoarseness as the only symptom. That's why any hoarseness lasting more than three weeks should be checked.

This is not meant to scare you — but it is important to be aware.

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Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Contact a doctor promptly if hoarseness comes with:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood
• A lump in the neck
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent ear pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe throat pain

These do not automatically mean cancer — but they require medical evaluation.

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What Happens During a Medical Evaluation?

If hoarseness lasts more than two to three weeks, a healthcare professional should examine your larynx.

Step 1: Medical History

You'll be asked about:

• Smoking history
• Acid reflux symptoms
• Recent infections
• Vocal use habits
• Duration of symptoms

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Step 2: Laryngoscopy

This is the key test.

A small flexible camera is inserted through your nose to view the larynx. It takes only minutes and is usually done in an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) office.

It allows the doctor to see:

• Inflammation
• Growths
• Vocal cord movement
• Structural abnormalities

You cannot diagnose larynx issues by symptoms alone. Visualization is essential.

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Step 3: Additional Testing (If Needed)

Depending on findings, your doctor may order:

• Imaging (CT or MRI)
• Voice analysis
• Biopsy of suspicious tissue
• Thyroid testing
• Reflux evaluation

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How Is Larynx-Related Hoarseness Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

If It's Inflammation or Reflux:

• Acid-reducing medications
• Diet changes
• Avoiding late meals
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Elevating the head of your bed

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If It's Vocal Overuse:

• Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist
• Temporary voice rest
• Hydration
• Learning proper vocal technique

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If It's Nodules or Polyps:

• Voice therapy first
• Surgical removal if necessary

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If It's Vocal Cord Paralysis:

• Voice therapy
• Injection procedures
• Surgical correction (in some cases)

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If It's Cancer:

Treatment may involve:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. That's why early evaluation matters.

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When Should You Act?

As a general rule:

• Hoarseness lasting longer than 2–3 weeks → get checked.
• Hoarseness in a smoker → get checked sooner.
• Hoarseness with swallowing or breathing issues → urgent evaluation.

Do not wait months hoping it resolves.

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Practical Steps You Can Take Now

While waiting for evaluation:

• Stop smoking or vaping.
• Limit alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid whispering (it strains the larynx more than normal speech).
• Rest your voice when possible.
• Manage reflux (avoid spicy, acidic, and late-night meals).

If you're experiencing persistent voice changes and want to better understand what might be causing them, using a free AI-powered Hoarseness Symptom Checker can help you identify potential causes and determine how urgently you should seek medical care.

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The Bottom Line

Your larynx is essential for speaking, breathing, and protecting your airway. Persistent hoarseness is a signal — not a random inconvenience.

Most causes are treatable. Many are reversible. But some can be serious.

The key is timing.

If your voice has been hoarse for more than two to three weeks, speak to a doctor — especially if you have risk factors like smoking or if you notice additional concerning symptoms.

Ignoring persistent larynx problems delays diagnosis and treatment. Acting early gives you options — and peace of mind.

If there is any concern about something life-threatening or serious, do not delay. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional or seek urgent care if breathing or swallowing becomes difficult.

Your voice matters.
And your larynx deserves attention.