What can be done to prevent the condition?

Avoiding smoking and exposure to smoke will decrease risk of hoarseness. Avoiding exposure to others with infections may also reduce the risk of hoarseness. Certain conditions and diseases that cause hoarseness are not preventable. If the person is using the vocal cords frequently, such as with singing, resting the voice between songs may reduce the risk of hoarseness. Seeking treatment for the underlying cause of the hoarseness may decrease the risk of hoarseness.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects depend on the cause of the hoarseness. If the hoarseness is caused by an upper respiratory infection or overuse of the voice, hoarseness may improve without any further effects. If the hoarseness is caused by other conditions, long-term effects could result in permanent hoarseness or even death.

What are the risks to others?

The risk of spreading hoarseness to others will depend on the cause. If the hoarseness is the result of an infection, it may be spread to others. If it is caused from trauma, disease to the larynx, or cancer, it is not necessarily contagious.