Hoarseness

Abstract

Hoarseness is a cardinal symptom of laryngeal disease. It is a disturbance of the normal voice pitch that can be evaluated acoustically using the 'RBH scale' [R for roughness, B for breathiness, H for hoarseness]. Hoarseness lasting longer than three weeks or recurring must be evaluated by an ENT specialist or a phoniatrist. Causes of hoarseness include functional disorders of the voice, inflammation of the larynx, secondary changes of the vocal folds, polyps, cysts, edema, papillomas, tumors, trauma, or palsies of the vocal cords due to different reasons. Early diagnosis of malignant laryngeal tumors is a prerequisite for preserving voice quality. Functional disorders and unilateral palsies of the vocal folds are treated by logopedists. The therapy of choice for inflammations is relief of symptoms, and surgery is employed for organic lesions.