{"id":2252,"date":"2024-09-13T16:36:22","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T21:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redriverent.com\/?p=2252"},"modified":"2024-09-13T16:36:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T21:36:23","slug":"when-should-i-see-an-ent-if-ive-lost-my-voice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redriverent.com\/when-should-i-see-an-ent-if-ive-lost-my-voice\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should I See an ENT if I\u2019ve Lost My Voice?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Losing your voice can be frustrating and unnerving\u2014especially if you don\u2019t know why. While many cases of voice loss resolve on their own within a few days, others could be symptomatic of an underlying condition and require ENT treatment. Let\u2019s take a look at how your voice works, what the common causes of voice loss are and when to seek ENT treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does My Voice Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Your voice is produced by the vibration of two smooth muscle bands, called vocal folds, positioned opposite each other in the larynx. The larynx sits at the back of the tongue above the trachea. When you speak, the vocal folds come together, and air from the lungs passes through them, creating vibrations that generate sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Voice Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Voice loss doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that you can\u2019t produce any sound. More often, your voice may sound raspy, breathy, strained, lower in register or softer in volume. The medical term for this voice change is hoarseness<\/a>. Anything that swells or affects the regular movement of your vocal cords can cause hoarseness. A few common culprits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n