Voice loss is often the result of straining your vocal cords, such as when singing, shouting, or talking excessively. However, there are several lesser-known factors that can lead to waking up with a hoarse or lost voice. Some of these causes may be linked to habits like smoking, but voice loss can also be a sign of underlying health issues.

Common and Uncommon Causes of Voice Loss

If you suddenly find that your voice is weak or unable to sound when you speak, it can be a sign of various health-related issues. The following are some of the common and less obvious causes of voice loss:

Overuse of the Vocal Cords

People who work in jobs that require frequent talking, such as teachers, singers, or customer service professionals, are at an increased risk of voice loss.

Overusing the vocal cords, whether by speaking, singing, or shouting can lead to strain and damage. Additionally, using improper techniques when singing can cause hoarseness, and strain on the muscles around the vocal cords can lead to fatigue.

Colds

Upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, are among the primary causes of voice loss. When you have a cold, your throat often becomes inflamed and sore. This inflammation can directly impact the vocal cords, changing the quality of your voice. 

Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, the passageway to the throat. If this happens frequently, it can develop into GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

The acid that reaches the throat can irritate the vocal cords, leading to voice loss or a weak voice. Other symptoms of GERD include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a sour taste in the mouth.. 

Smoking Habits

Smoking can significantly affect your voice. The chemicals and smoke from cigarettes irritate the vocal cords, potentially leading to voice changes. Studies show that individuals who smoke, especially those who have quit, are more likely to experience voice disorders compared to non-smokers.

Smoking also raises the risk of developing polyps on the vocal cords, which can make your voice sound deep, hoarse, and strained.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx (voice box) or vocal cords due to irritation, overuse, or infection. The vocal cords, made of muscle and cartilage, move and vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them.

When inflammation occurs in the larynx, the vocal cords swell, which disrupts their normal function and results in a hoarse or weak voice. Laryngitis is often the reason why your voice may sound raspy or hoarse when you have a sore throat.

Allergies 

Allergies don't just cause sneezing or a runny nose; they can also affect your voice. Allergies may cause swelling or tightness in the vocal cords, which leads to a hoarse or weak voice.

Additionally, allergies often trigger coughing, which places strain on the vocal cords. Even antihistamines used to treat allergies can contribute to a dry throat, further irritating the vocal cords and causing voice changes.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid conditions, such as goiters or hypothyroidism (a deficiency in thyroid hormones), can have an impact on the voice. A goiter may lead to frequent coughing, which can irritate the vocal cords, while hypothyroidism can make your voice sound weak and fatigued.

Voice loss doesn’t always result from excessive talking, singing, or shouting. Several medical conditions, such as GERD, laryngitis, or thyroid disorders, can also contribute to hoarseness or total voice loss.

If you are experiencing persistent voice issues, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Alternatively, you can make use of the consultation feature available on the Ai Care application, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!