Persistent Hoarseness: When Should You See a Voice Specialist? We all experience a "lost voice" or raspiness during a heavy cold or after cheering at a concert. Usually, these symptoms vanish within a few days of rest. However, when hoarseness or a change in your voice persists for more than 3 weeks, it is no longer a simple irritation—it requires an ENT specialist evaluation. Changes in the voice can range from minor strain to more serious underlying conditions. This guide explains the common causes of voice disorders and what happens during a private voice assessment. What is Hoarseness? Hoarseness is an umbrella term for abnormal voice changes. Your voice may sound: Breathy or weak. Raspy or strained. Lower or higher in pitch than usual. "Husky" or consistently dry. These changes occur when something interferes with the vibration of the vocal cords (vocal folds) located in the larynx (voice box). Common Causes of Voice Disorders There are many reasons why your ...
Cholesteatoma: What Patients Need to Know About This Chronic Ear Condition Persistent ear infections or ongoing ear discharge are often dismissed as minor problems. However, in some cases, these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition called cholesteatoma . Although cholesteatoma is not cancerous, it can gradually damage important structures inside the ear and lead to hearing loss or other complications if left untreated. This guide explains the symptoms of cholesteatoma, how it is diagnosed, and the available treatment options. What is cholesteatoma? Cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells that develops inside the middle ear or mastoid bone behind the ear. Normally, skin cells shed naturally from the ear canal. In cholesteatoma, these cells become trapped and gradually accumulate. As the cholesteatoma enlarges, it can damage nearby structures, including: The eardrum The hearing bones The mastoid bone Balance structures within the ear Witho...