Risk factors

Many risk factors can contribute to a voice disorder, including:

• Aging
• Alcohol use
• Allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Illnesses, such as colds or upper respiratory infections
• Improper throat clearing over a long time
• Neurological disorders
• Psychological stress
• Scarring from neck surgery or from trauma to the front of the neck
• Screaming
• Smoking
• Throat cancer
• Throat dehydration
• Thyroid problems
• Voice misuse or overuse