Dos
- Do rest your voice when it feels strained or tired
- Do warm up before singing or prolonged speaking
- Do seek voice therapy early — most nodules resolve without surgery
Vocal Cord Nodules
Consultant-led diagnosis and treatment for vocal cord nodules — often called "singer's nodules" — caused by repeated vocal strain.
What is the condition?
Vocal cord nodules are small, callus-like growths that form in matching positions on both vocal cords, usually at the point of greatest vibration impact. They develop from repeated or excessive vocal strain — common in singers, teachers and anyone who uses their voice heavily — and are one of the most common causes of a persistently hoarse voice.
Symptoms
What to look out for?
The main symptom is a hoarse, rough or breathy voice that tends to worsen with continued voice use and improve with rest.
- Persistent hoarseness
- A breathy or rough vocal quality
- Vocal fatigue and reduced range, especially at higher pitches
- A sensation of a lump in the throat when speaking
Treatment
What can be done?
Most nodules are treated successfully with voice therapy and a period of vocal rest, without the need for surgery. Nodules that persist despite therapy may be removed with microlaryngoscopy.
- Speech and language therapy (voice therapy)
- A structured period of vocal rest
- Microlaryngoscopy to remove persistent nodules
Prevention
What should I do?
Don'ts
- Don't shout, scream or talk over loud background noise
- Don't clear your throat forcefully, which adds further strain to the cords
- Don't ignore a hoarse voice that lasts more than three to four weeks