17 Behaviors to Avoid to Prevent Hoarseness

Are you experiencing vocal hoarseness and not sure why? Hoarseness occurs for a variety of reasons.  Here are 17 examples vocal abuse that when done excessively or in combination with each other can cause  hoarseness: 

1. Coughing/Throat clearing
2. Grunting (as in weight lifting)
3. Prolonged speaking
4. Talking in noisy environments
5. Talking with excessive tension especially in the throat area
6. Smoking cigarettes/marijuana
7. Speaking/singing in smoky environments
8. Drinking alcohol
9. Not drinking enough water
10. Inadequate breath support
11. Reverse phonation
12. Abusive laughter
13. Yelling frequently
14. The use of inappropriate high/low pitch
15. Excessive habitual loudness
16. Hard glottal attacks
17. Excessive speaking during an upper respiratory infection

 If you are experiencing hoarseness despite the above reasons, schedule an appointment with a physician or Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist to find out if there is a physical problem.