Ever lost your voice? It can get pretty frustrating when that happens. Usually, it is an outcome of sudden or persistent vocal abuse. Maybe a boisterous night out with your friends lands you with a hoarse voice in the morning or overenthusiastic singing sessions. A blocked nose or infections of the voice box are common causes of voice change. Not to worry—a few days of voice rest and the voice should return. However, it is when the voice does not get back to normal even after two weeks that we need to show an ENT Consultant, preferably a voice specialist.

Certain professions, such as teachers, singers, politicians, lawyers, radio jockeys, stage artists and call centre employees use there voice for prolonged periods with no breaks. These professional voice users are vocal athletes and just as sportsman can sprain a tendon, get a muscle cramp or develop corns and calluses on there hands and feet, they too can develop swellings or calluses on there vocal cords (vocal nodules). Infact, vocal nodules are referred to as singers or teachers nodules as they commonly affect this group. Take away the vocal abuse (overuse) and give relaxation exercises to these individuals and one can expect a good return of normal voice. A speech therapist ( akin to a physiotherapist) gives these exercises.

However, not all causes of persistent voice change resolve with voice rest and speech therapy. Polyps and cysts of the vocal fold usually need to be surgically excised. This is done endoscopically with no external scar. What appears to be a polyp may at times be a tumour. Therefore all tissue excised by surgery is sent for histopathology study.

In India, the use of tobacco is unfortunately high. This is responsible for a high percentage of head and neck cancer. Early cancer of the vocal cords can be treated by endoscopic laser surgery or radiation therapy. When this cancer spreads outside of the voice box, external surgery and/or radiation therapy is warranted. Preventive action by creating awareness of the effects of tobacco use cannot be overemphasized. Early diagnosis is of paramount important with cancer. Today, we have highly specialized yet non-invasive techniques of detecting early cancer. Stroboscopy is one such helpful test that allows the doctor to see the vocal fold vibrations in slow motion.

Some of the golden rules in maintaining a good voice are

1. Adequate hydration of the voice box. Drink 7-8 glasses of water a day. You know that you are getting enough water if your urine is pale yellow in color.
2. Avoid caffeine , cola drinks,junk (packet) food and tobacco use in any form.
3. Avoid screaming or whispering
4. Do not talk continuously as far as possible. If taking a lecture, create breaks by interactive sessions or show video clips. Sip water in between the talk.
5. Constant clearing of throat is to be avoided.
6. Refrain from very spicy and oily food.
7. Do not sleep straight after dinner to prevent acid reflux at night

Most importantly,Visit a Voice specialist if voice change persists over 2 weeks.