You talk on the phone; you talk to friends and family; you probably talk as part of your job. Normal talking is what the vocal cords were designed to do. Loud talking or yelling can put a strain on your vocal cords, so singers, bombastic politicians and cheerleaders can frequently become hoarse. This is generally a temporary condition that can be cured by resting the voice for a few days. Cigarette smoking can also have a damaging effect on the vocal cords. If you suffer persistent hoarseness, you should consult a specialist to see if there could be a more serious problem. An examination could reveal one of several types of growth that can occur on the vocal cords. While these are usually benign, they could indicate the early stages of cancer of the larynx (LAIR-INKS). Early detection and removal of these growths usually results in complete recovery. Another thing to keep in mind is that excessively loud talking can indicate hearing loss. Your visit to the ear, nose and throat doctor might also include a hearing test.