General practice·General practice
Voice loss
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Voice loss, also called aphonia, means you lose your voice partially or completely. It is often temporary and happens when the vocal cords become swollen or irritated.
Key facts
- Most voice loss gets better on its own within a few days to 2 weeks.
- Common causes include viral infections, overusing your voice, or acid reflux.
- Resting your voice and staying hydrated are the best first steps.
Yes, voice loss is very common. Most people will experience it at least once in their life.
It can affect anyone, but people who use their voice a lot – such as teachers, singers, call centre workers, or parents of young children – are more likely to have it.