My Voice Is Completely Gone for More Than 2 Weeks
Losing your voice entirely (aphonia) for more than two weeks is not typical. Here is what you need to know.
A complete loss of voice (not just hoarseness, but being unable to make sound) that lasts more than 2 weeks needs evaluation. Here is why.
- Common causes of temporary voice loss:
- Acute laryngitis β from a cold or virus; should improve within 1β2 weeks
- Vocal cord hemorrhage β a blood vessel bursts on the vocal cord, common in singers after straining
- Severe vocal cord swelling β from screaming, shouting, or prolonged talking
- Causes of prolonged voice loss:
- Vocal cord paralysis β one or both vocal cords are not moving; can be from viral infection, nerve damage, or surgery
- Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts β benign growths that affect voice production
- Laryngeal (voice box) cancer β rare, but can cause complete voice loss if it affects both vocal cords
- Muscle tension dysphonia β the muscles around the voice box are too tight
- Spasmodic dysphonia β a neurological condition causing involuntary voice spasms
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Voice loss came after a cold or viral illness
- You can whisper (some sound is possible)
- Improvement starts within 10β14 days
- No other symptoms
- Worth having checked:
- Voice completely gone for more than 2 weeks with no improvement
- You have no voice and also have trouble breathing
- Pain when trying to speak
- Noisy breathing (stridor)
- Coughing up blood
- Lump in the neck
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- Your voice is completely gone for more than 2 weeks
- You have any difficulty breathing
- You have pain when trying to speak
- You are a smoker
- You have a lump or swelling in your neck