Symptoms
hoarseness, strain, loss of range and intensity
Causes
Upper Respiratory Infections (Laryngitis, Colds)
Gastro esophageal reflux voice-related problems
Voice "overuse" or too much talking
Voice "misuse" yelling, prolonged talking over loud noise
Environmental - smoke, pollen, dust, mold
Singing out of range
Medications
Substance Abuse
Aphonia (total loss of voice)
Dysphonia (hoarseness)
Muscle Tension Dysphonia - abnormal muscular tension that may result in discomfort during speaking and singing.
Vocal Fatigue - usually associated with "over-use"
Voice breaks - intermittent voice "cracking"
Loss of range - reduction in range either high or low
Loss of vocal intensity - loss of power or volume
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you should consider seeing an otolaryngologist (ENT) for a comprehensive voice examination. Below are three ENT's who have excellent experience with voice disorders and professional voice users.
Joesph R. Spiegel, MD
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-955-6760
Peak Woo, MD
The Grabschied Voice Center
Mount Sinai Medical Center
5 East 98th Street
First Floor
New York, NY 10029
Steven Zeitels, MD
Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation
Massachusetts General Hospital
One Bowdoin Square
Boston, MA 12114
617-726-1444
For a more comprehensive listing of voice care professionals use this link